Trump Hosts 2025 Champion Indiana Hoosiers at White House as QB Fernando Mendoza Misses Event
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 11
Trump Hosts 2025 Champion Indiana Hoosiers at White House as QB Fernando Mendoza Misses Event
7 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 11
Indiana’s 2025 College Football Playoff champions visited the White House on Monday, where President Donald Trump honored the Hoosiers at a South Lawn celebration alongside coach Curt Cignetti and receiver Charlie Becker.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s former quarterback, did not attend because of his new role with the Las Vegas Raiders; Trump said Mendoza called to explain his absence, even though Raiders OTAs were reported to start May 18.
Players from the title team spent part of the day touring Washington monuments before the ceremony, while cheerleaders, Indiana congressional leaders and program supporters filled the South Lawn.
Curt Cignetti’s appearance capped a whirlwind year for Indiana athletics, with the coach also set to drive the honorary pace car at the Indianapolis 500 later this month as the Hoosiers prepare for the 2026 season.
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