All photos by Magdalene Conrad, Kirk Owen, and Parker McCloskey. Click on each photo in the gallery below.













All photos by Magdalene Conrad, Kirk Owen, and Parker McCloskey. Click on each photo in the gallery below.














All photos by Malachi Conrad and Macaleb Conrad. Click on each photo in the gallery below.










by Brennan Zoeller and Jilliann Denbo
From taking down No. 9 Alabama 38-3, to then embarrassing No. 5 Oregon 56-22, the undefeated 15-0 Hoosiers don’t seem to be slowing down as they head into Monday’s national championship game against Miami (13-2).
On Monday, Indiana hopes to win it all in Miami. Since 1899, the Hoosiers have never won a football national championship and have been among the programs with the most football losses.
Hoosier fans hope that changes Monday night.
“I think they’ve worked harder than anyone else and deserve it. They’re professional when it counts and don’t show mercy, which is why they’re so good,” said sophomore John Steele.
Some are sure Indiana will beat Miami, but others are still nervous only because they are used to losing.
“Miami is obviously a great team, but I think we may be even better. I am still nervous but I think some of those nerves stem from so many years of watching IU football lose. I’ve been conditioned to expect us to lose and I am still trying to remind myself that we have a real possibility to win the national championship,” said Northaven Academic improvement coordinator Kelly Allen, an IU fan.
This national championship game is bringing many long-time fans together to watch their all time favorite team.
“Family had a lot to do with me being an IU fan. But in 1987 I was 15 years old watching Keith Smart hit a last second shot to win the basketball national championship against Syracuse. If you have to pick a moment, that’s when I knew I was a Hoosier,” said IU fan Robert Denbo.
Fans have always been giving a lot to the IU community, doing anything they can to show true support.
“I show my support for my team by sharing stuff on social media and wearing my IU gear. I give to the Alumni Association as well. IU has the largest Alumni Association in the entire nation and it has the most people raising lots of money by going to games and by watching games on TV,” said Northaven principal and Hoosier fan Laura Morris.
While some fans have been cheering from home on their TVs , others have actually been going to the games.
“Seeing the joy on IU fans’ (of all ages) faces as they attend these games has been so exciting. It has been a thrilling time for fans,” Allen said from experience after being to many games.
When Allen says “of all ages,” she means it. Students all the way to teachers and parents have been ecstatic and call it a “miracle.”
“It’s crazy. I went from not even thinking about Indiana when it came to football as a fan, to now about to win a national championship. It’s a miracle,” said sophomore Liam Wooden.
The Hoosiers football team has brought hope to many, and this hope is shown and expressed in different ways, reaching all audiences.
“The way the team works together to accomplish this year’s wins has given me so much hope. Our Heisman (winner Fernando) Mendoza has also been performing better than amazing. Since 1975 I’ve been an IU fan and they’ve never come this far,” said JHS graduate and IU fan Kathleen Brennan.
With the national championship on Monday, Indiana fans are pumped up more than ever, with very high expectations.
“I think Indiana has a pretty good chance of beating Miami in the national championship because the Hoosiers have proven to be a powerhouse with trust in each other throughout the season,” stated Josie Zoeller, 2024 JHS graduate.
No. 1 Indiana (15-0) will play No. 10 Miami (13-2) in the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026:
All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Parker McCloskey. Click on each photo in the gallery below.











All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Malachi Conrad. Click on each photo in the gallery below.












All photos by Parker McCloskey and Malachi Conrad. Click on the photos in the gallery below.









All photos by Magdalene Conrad, Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey and Mackenzie Stubblefield. Click on photos in the gallery below to view images.













All photos by Malachi Conrad. Click on photos in the gallery below.






by Austin Bainbridge
The Red Devils enter a hostile environment tonight against an imposing New Albany team after dropping three out of the last four games.
The environment at New Albany should add to the excitement of the rivalry game.

“New Albany’s a loud environment that really helps their players along with getting in the opponent’s head,” said sophomore guard Cornelius Weobong.
Red Devil fans are also ready to see Jeff get back to form.
“I don’t think New Albany has the basketball IQ to beat our guys,” said sophomore fan Preston McCombs.
Jeff is looking to get back in the win column by changing their approach.
“I think as a team we need to pick it up in practice and work hard to prepare for this team,” said senior point guard Elijah Cheeks.
The team is also looking for leaders to help get the young team ready to play.
“Me and (Terrence) Nord need need to pick up our leadership in game and practice; we have to get people to give it their all,” said Cheeks
The New Albany team is headlined by stars like sophomore shooting guard Noah Washington, who will be a struggle to stop.
“New Albany is looking dangerous this year — they have some good players, but I still have confidence we can stop them,” said head coach Sherron Wilkerson.
The team is also looking to get out to an early lead and retain it throughout the game.
“We want to come out on fire and not wait until our backs are against the wall to comeback and put up points,” said Cheeks.
Jeff has its own players to watch out for, especially junior Jacob Wilkerson.
“(Jacob) Wilkerson has to keep doing what he’s doing — he’s balling right now; he just has to keep on track,” said Cheeks.
While New Albany seems like an unstoppable team, Jeff sees weaknesses to exploit.
“They don’t play defense and don’t really want to guard the ball; I think with our offense we can take advantage of that and win this game,” said Cheeks.
