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ESPN analyst explains why Indiana will repeat as national champions in 2026
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Georgia was the last team to win back-to-back national championships, doing so in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Indiana will look to join the Bulldogs in achieving that feat.
But with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza now in the NFL, will it happen? Paul Finebaum doesn’t think so. ESPN colleague Sam Acho disagrees, pointing in part to the stability on the Hoosiers’ coaching staff that will be a benefit in 2026.
“Bryant Haynes, their defensive coordinator, has been with Curt Cignetti for 11 years. Mike Shanahan, their offensive coordinator, has been coordinating that offense for the last four,” Acho said on “SportsCenter” on Tuesday. “I’ve got a chance to be a part of teams that had to change coaching staffs, and it’s very difficult for a player to try to learn a new scheme, learn a new system, learn a new language. They don’t have that in Indiana.”
Acho mentioned the addition of Josh Hoover, who threw for over 9,600 yards and 33 touchdowns since taking over as starting quarterback at TCU in 2023. That includes a 3,949-yard season in 2024 that stands as the Horned Frogs’ program record.
“I got a chance to call one of his games last year when he was at TCU,” Acho said. “The talent, especially the arm talent, is undeniable.”