GOOD NEWS: Update: IU’s championship celebration and Mendoza’s autograph session will take place this week

In a week filled with crimson pride and unrelenting excitement, Indiana University fans continue to revel in the Hoosiers’ historic achievement: their first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship. After a flawless 16-0 season capped by a gripping 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium, the program has wasted no time bringing the celebration home to Bloomington. This week offers multiple opportunities for the Hoosier faithful to connect with the team, view the coveted trophy, and personally congratulate the stars who made it all possible—most notably Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The momentum began immediately upon the team’s return. Fans lined the streets and filled parking lots near the airport and campus as the Hoosiers arrived back in Indiana, eager for a glimpse of the players, coach Curt Cignetti, and the gleaming CFP National Championship Trophy presented by Dr Pepper. What followed was a series of fan-focused events designed to share the joy of this breakthrough moment with the community that has supported the program through decades of ups and downs.

A highlight of the week was Fernando Mendoza’s highly anticipated autograph session at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Bloomington’s College Mall, located at 2850 East 3rd Street. Scheduled for Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the event drew massive crowds despite the winter chill. Fans began lining up as early as the store’s 9 a.m. opening to secure one of the limited 250 wristbands distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Wristbands were required for entry, and Mendoza signed complimentary branded photo cards for those who made it inside.

The atmosphere inside the store was electric. Hundreds of supporters, including families, students, and lifelong alumni, waited patiently for their turn to meet the redshirt junior quarterback who orchestrated the championship run. Mendoza, known for his poise under pressure on the field, showed the same warmth off it. He extended the session beyond the planned time, staying an extra 30 minutes to ensure as many fans as possible could get photos and a moment of interaction.

Emotional exchanges were common—one fan shared a tearful story about a family member’s recent health diagnosis, prompting Mendoza to step out for a heartfelt hug. Another group of high school students joked about “shooting their shot” amid the prom season buzz, capturing the lighthearted yet deeply appreciative spirit of the gathering.

Mendoza’s presence carried extra significance as the Heisman Trophy winner and the face of IU’s improbable rise. His leadership, including a decisive touchdown run in the title game and reliance on a stout defense sealed by Jamari Sharpe’s game-clinching interception, embodied the team’s resilience. Fans expressed gratitude not just for the victory but for the hope he restored in a program long considered an underdog in the Big Ten.

Complementing the personal touch of Mendoza’s meet-and-greet, the national championship trophy itself went on a brief public tour through Bloomington. The 24-karat gold-plated prize was displayed for free viewing on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Kroger on South College Mall Road, positioned near the entrance’s bistro area for easy access. On Thursday, it moved to the Walmart at 3313 West State Road 45 during the same afternoon hours.

Lines snaked through the stores as fans posed for photos with the symbol of triumph, many reflecting on how this moment felt surreal after years of waiting for IU football to reach such heights.

These midweek events served as a warm-up to the grand finale: Indiana University’s official Championship Celebration at Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 1 p.m. The event, running until approximately 3 p.m. (with some reports indicating up to 1-3 p.m.), invited the entire Hoosier Nation to gather in the stadium where so many dreams have been born. Parking lots opened at 10 a.m., gates at 11:30 a.m., and attendees received commemorative rally towels to wave during the festivities.

The program featured the team marching in from Assembly Hall, speeches from key figures including Mendoza, Cignetti, athletic director Scott Dolson, and university president Pam Whitten, and highlights from the season played on the big screens.

Players and coaches mingled with fans, signing autographs and trading fist bumps along the field. Mendoza addressed the crowd with humility, calling the Heisman “the ultimate team award” and expressing thanks to God, his supporters, and IU. The ceremony closed with a collective rendition of the school’s fight song, a fitting tribute to a season that transformed expectations. Despite cold temperatures and an approaching winter storm, thousands braved the elements, proving the depth of Hoosier loyalty.

This week of festivities underscores more than just a championship—it marks a turning point for Indiana football. Under Cignetti’s guidance since his 2023 hiring, the Hoosiers built a powerhouse through belief, discipline, and unity. Mendoza’s emergence as a star, combined with standout performances from defenders like Aiden Fisher and Mikail Kamara, created a narrative of destiny fulfilled.

As the celebrations wind down, attention shifts to the future. Mendoza, who appeared on national shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to share the joy (and even break a few records in fun segments), has since declared for the NFL Draft, signaling the next chapter. Yet the legacy of this 16-0 run endures. University leaders have promised this won’t be the last title, and fans now believe it.

For Hoosier Nation, this week has been a dream realized: time with heroes, photos with the trophy, and shared pride in a program forever changed. The good news keeps rolling—Indiana is a national champion, and the celebration is far from over.