Football in Bloomington was often viewed as an offseason activity while fans waited for the start of basketball season. Without much of a culture in place, the Indiana football team never received much attention.

That’s all changed.

Since Tom Allen took over in 2017, Indiana football has seen improvements on the field and in recruiting. In 2019, the Hoosiers finished with an 8-5 record and was ranked in the Associated Press poll for the first time in 25 seasons. Last year, IU ended with a 6-2 record, with the only losses coming to Ohio State and Ole Miss in the Outback Bowl.

Speaking with reporters on Monday with IU’s pro day approaching, former wide receiver Whop Philyor talked about the program’s growth over the past few seasons. And he’s confident that football is in Bloomington for the long haul.

“We’re not bottom feeders of the Big Ten anymore,” Philyor said, per Jon Blau of the Bloomington Herald Times. “We some top dogs. That’s what I’m most proud of. We’re a football school now.”

Philyor was a huge part of Indiana’s success over the past two years.

Over the last two seasons, Philyor caught 124 passes for 1,497 and 8 touchdowns. He ended his career in Bloomington with 2,067 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches.

This year, Indiana will look to finish .500 or better for a third straight year. The last time that happened was between 1986-88 under head coach Bill Mallory.