LOS ANGELES – On January 1, 2026, Indiana Hoosiers’ head coach Curt Cignetti will lead his team into the Rose Bowl against Alabama, marking a significant milestone not just for the program but for one of its standout players, defensive end Mikail Kamara. This achievement comes after an inspiring journey that began with a commitment to James Madison University (JMU) in 2019.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 262 pounds, Kamara’s path to success has been remarkable. “The way that my career was going, I never would have expected to be in the Rose Bowl,” Kamara expressed during Rose Bowl Media Day. His transition to Indiana revitalized his aspirations, showcasing the strong belief he has in both the team and Cignetti’s coaching methods.
Kamara’s college career began with a slow start, as he played in just six games during the 2020 season and dealt with a redshirt year in 2021. However, by 2023, he began to show his true potential, recording impressive stats including 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks while earning All-Sun Belt honors. This momentum carried him to Indiana, where he would play a pivotal role in Cignetti’s ambitious restructuring of the program.
Cignetti strategically brought over 27 transfers from JMU in an effort to revitalize Indiana’s football culture, with Kamara among the key players leading the charge. “The players that came over were kind of like the building blocks for everyone else,” he noted, highlighting how the experienced recruits formed a cohesive unit that would eventually thrive under pressure.
Success was gradual for Indiana, with the 2024 season finishing with an 11-1 record and the team making the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. Kamara himself had a standout season in 2024, culminating in All-Big Ten First Team honors after achieving 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
Fast forward to the 2025 season, and Kamara’s hard work and determination exemplified the results of Cignetti’s rigorous system. As the Hoosiers clinched the Big Ten Championship and maintained their status as the only undefeated team in the country, Kamara stands poised to help his team aim for victory in the Rose Bowl.
Reflecting on his journey, Kamara expressed gratitude for the opportunities and the trust in Cignetti’s leadership. “It’s fantastic just to know not just that the belief worked out, but all the hard work is paying off,” he said. His story resonates with many Indiana fans who have long hoped for a revival of their football program. Kamara’s rise from an overlooked recruit to a key player on college football’s biggest stage serves as an inspiration for players and fans alike.
As he prepares to run out of the tunnel on Thursday, Kamara embodies the spirit of perseverance and belief that has propelled the Hoosiers to their current standing. “We’re not going anywhere anytime soon,” he promised, ensuring that the foundation laid during his tenure in Indiana is cemented for future success.