Indiana Gets INDYCAR Escort to Big Ten Championship Game vs. Ohio State

You can't spell "Indianapolis" without "Indiana."

The No. 2-ranked Indiana Hoosiers got an INDYCAR escort from Bloomington to Indianapolis, the birthplace of the historic racing series, for the Big Ten title game against the No. 1-ranked and undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Hoosiers — whose campus is roughly one hour south of Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of the Big Ten Championship Game — are led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who's squarely in the mix to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy. After spending the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Cal (2023-24), Mendoza has totaled 2,758 passing yards, a Big Ten-high 32 passing touchdowns, five interceptions and a 183.7 passer rating through 12 games this season, while completing 72% of his passes. He has also rushed for 243 yards and six touchdowns.

On the ground, running backs Roman Hemby (5.3 yards per carry), Kaelon Black (5.8 yards per carry) and Khobie Martin (6.5 yards per carry) have combined for 2,048 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. Wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. (13.9 yards per reception) and Elijah Sarratt (13.5 yards per reception), who have combined for 106 receptions for 1,454 yards, have each totaled a Big Ten-high 11 receiving touchdowns. 

Indiana is first in the Big Ten in total yards (483.8 per game), rushing yards (229.8 per game) and points (44.3 per game) and fifth in passing yards (254.1 per game). 

As for Indiana's defense, Louis Moore has reeled in a conference-high five interceptions, while fellow defensive back Amare Ferrell has pulled down four interceptions and Jamari Sharpe has forced four fumbles; defensive lineman Stephen Daley has totaled 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a Big Ten-high 18 tackles for loss; linebacker Rolijah