Indiana turns to transfer portal again, lands Cal QB, Maryland RB

A notable transfer class helped Indiana win 11 games for the first time in school history and make a surprise appearance in the college football playoff this season.

It appears coach Curt Cignetti is attempting to recreate that magic in 2025, landing a pair of notable offensive weapons through the portal ahead of Christmas.

On Monday, the Hoosiers landed Maryland running back Roman Hemby, who rushed for 607 yards and six touchdowns this year and has 2,347 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in his career.

He has led the Terps in rushing in each of the last three seasons while earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors twice and being named a Freshman All-American.

Henby will compete with senior Kaelon Black and UAB transfer Lee Beebe Jr. for snaps in the spring.

The Hoosiers got more good news on Tuesday, landing Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza via the transfer portal, 247 Sports reported.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound signal-caller has made 19 starts with the Golden Bears over the last two seasons, completing 66 percent of his passes for 4,712 yards with 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

He has also rushed for 197 yards and four touchdowns during his time in Berkeley.

He is the older brother of IU true freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza. His arrival in Bloomington is huge for the team that needs to replace Kurtis Rourke.

Georgia, Missouri, and UCLA were the other schools that were aggressively pursuing Mendoza, according to 247 Sports.

Mendoza will be the favorite to start at QB next season after top backup Tayven Jackson entered the transfer portal this week.

Indiana lost to Notre Dame in the first round of the first 12-team playoff on Dec. 20. The Hoosiers open the 2025 season against Old Dominion on Aug. 30.