College football is finally back, and Curt Cignetti isn’t wasting a second. With Indiana’s Week 1 matchup against Old Dominion looming this Saturday, the Hoosiers’ new head coach is sticking to his “one week at a time” mentality. Cignetti has made it clear since taking over the program that every opponent deserves the same level of respect and preparation—a message he doubled down on during his first official press conference of the 2025 season.
“Obviously we’ve talked about the history of the Sun Belt teams, current members of the Sun Belt and the blue bloods that they have defeated,” Coach Cignetti said Monday. “All but one of Old Dominion’s losses last year were by one score or less. Like I’ve told you in the past, they’ve beaten Virginia Tech twice in recent history, so we’ve got to be ready to go. It’s all about us and our preparation, having the right mindset, and going out there and playing our brand of ball with a bunch of new faces.”
With fall camp in the rearview mirror, Indiana is now in full game-week mode. While some might see Saturday’s contest as a tune-up, Cignetti and his staff know better. The Hoosiers are breaking in a host of new starters on both sides of the ball, while Old Dominion returns key playmakers capable of turning the game into a real fight.
“Offensively, it all begins with the structure and design of the offense,” Cignetti explained. “They’re going to spread you out. Big, wide splits. Force you to defend the whole field and with the blocks count and the advantage throws and get the run game going. They’ve always been high in the conference in rushing, and they do a really nice job. The quarterback [Colton Joseph] can beat you with his legs and his arm. He missed a game and a half. He didn’t take over as a starter until maybe Game 4 and missed a game or so. Him and the backup [Quinn Henicle] together rushed for about 900 and threw for about 2,000.
Touchdown/interception ratio was good. They try to create space through their alignments and take advantage to put themselves in the best play. They’ve got three or four offensive linemen returning, both quarterbacks, and then they lose their skill guys. They’ve got some new guys coming in.”
Cignetti’s scouting report offers a detailed glimpse into Old Dominion’s offensive identity—a scheme he knows well from his two seasons coaching in the Sun Belt with James Madison. The Monarchs thrive on creating space, and with a mobile quarterback and a versatile run game, their attack will test Indiana’s discipline from the first snap.
Joseph, who took over for current Indiana backup quarterback Grant Wilson last year, emerged as ODU’s offensive engine in 2024. He racked up 1,627 passing yards, 647 rushing yards, and 22 total touchdowns (11 through the air, 11 on the ground). Behind him is Henicle, a capable change-of-pace option who flashed potential with 181 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 278 rushing yards, and three rushing scores in limited action.
Old Dominion’s offense thrives on the ground game, and they’ll be looking to exploit any cracks in Indiana’s defensive front. For the Hoosiers to find success, containing the quarterback and running back inside the pocket will be key—forcing the Monarchs to win with their arms rather than their legs. Both Cignetti and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines have expressed confidence in Indiana’s defensive backs to hold their own against ODU’s aerial attack. But as much as the Hoosiers have focused on the Monarchs’ offense, Cignetti was quick to highlight the challenge posed by their defense.
“Defensively, it’s a three-three defense. A little different than what you see. Variety of blitzes and looks,” Cignetti described. “It’s a challenge. Jason Henderson returns at middle linebacker. He got hurt last season early in the year, red-shirted. [He] had 170 tackles in 2023. I think he led the country in tackles.”
Henderson is more than just a name to watch—he’s a game-wrecker. The veteran linebacker led the nation in tackles in 2022 (179) and followed it up by finishing second in 2023 (167). His relentless motor and ability to diagnose plays make him a constant presence on every snap. After suffering a knee injury in ODU’s 2023 finale against Georgia State, Henderson took a redshirt year in 2024 to fully recover and preserve eligibility. Now back at full strength, he’s poised to anchor the Monarchs’ defense once again. A two-time First-Team All-Sun Belt selection and All-American honoree, Henderson is the centerpiece of a defense that thrives on pressure and unpredictability.
Getting the roster back to full health is a major priority, and Cignetti sounded confident about where his team stands heading into Saturday. “I feel really good about the health of our team right now going into the opener,” he responded. “During camp we did have some guys in and out defensively at times, and one offensive lineman missed a little time but is healthy now. So overall I’m pleased with where we’re at.”
While this won’t be Indiana’s toughest matchup of the season, Cignetti made it clear that there’s no room for complacency. The Hoosiers can’t afford to underestimate a scrappy Old Dominion squad, especially with so many new faces adjusting to their roles. Last year’s Week 1 win over FIU—a 31-7 victory that still featured some stalled drives and missed opportunities—served as a reminder that early-season games can be unpredictable if focus slips. Keeping communication sharp and emotions in check will be crucial, particularly for freshmen and players making their first appearance on this stage.
Still, this year’s team feels more seasoned and prepared. The younger players who needed extra work in the spring appear ready to compete, and Cignetti’s steady leadership has set a tone of quiet confidence. The Hoosiers are eager to prove that his rebuild is no fluke and that Indiana football is headed for bigger things in 2025.
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