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President Trump praised Indiana football's perfect 16-0 season during a White House ceremony, highlighting its significance to fans. He shared memorable moments from the team's journey.
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WASHINGTON â President Donald Trump spoke at length about Indiana footballâs perfect season Monday afternoon during a ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House honoring the team.
âThis was a year that will live forever in the hearts of Indiana football fans,â Trump said. âThere's no story like this.â
Trump relived that journey, offering his own commentary on IUâs 16-0 season. Hereâs a look at the standout moments from the Presidentâs speech:
More: 'Never bet against a guy like Curt.' Trump celebrates Indiana football's coach
An attendee pumps his fist in the air as U.S. President Donald Trump and Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, arrive to an event with the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a football from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
President Trump praised Indiana football's perfect 16-0 season, calling it a year that will live forever in the hearts of fans.
President Trump honored Indiana football during a ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House on Monday afternoon.
Trump relived the journey of Indiana football's perfect season, offering personal commentary and highlighting key moments.
While the article does not specify, Trump noted that the season would live forever in the hearts of Indiana football fans, suggesting a positive reception.

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Wide receiver Charlie Becker holds a helmet while speaking as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump walks after speaking, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a ball from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a football received from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Wide receiver Charlie Becker speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team T-shirt from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Defensive back Jamari Sharpe gestures during an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with defensive back Jamari Sharpe, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump reacts with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives with his sons to attend an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper REFILE - ADDS "TO ATTEND AN EVENT FOR".
U.S. Vice President JD Vance gestures as President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to host the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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An attendee pumps his fist in the air as U.S. President Donald Trump and Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, arrive to an event with the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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An attendee pumps his fist in the air as U.S. President Donald Trump and Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, arrive to an event with the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump receives a football from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Wide receiver Charlie Becker holds a helmet while speaking as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump walks after speaking, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump receives a ball from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump holds a football received from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Wide receiver Charlie Becker speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team T-shirt from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump receives a jersey from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Defensive back Jamari Sharpe gestures during an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with defensive back Jamari Sharpe, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University, at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump reacts with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives with his sons to attend an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper REFILE - ADDS "TO ATTEND AN EVENT FOR".
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance gestures as President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to host the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
The President referenced Cignettiâs famed âGoogle Meâ press conference as he traced IUâs path to the national title. While Trump said he normally hates guys with âcockyâ attitudes, he couldnât help but admire Cignettiâs style. Trump compared it to the way Muhammad Ali backed up his tough talk.
âJust two years later, he brought home the national championship,â Trump said. âWhen you do that stuff, you have to be able to produce when you act that way.â
U.S. President Donald Trump reacts with head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as the president hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Trump didnât expect quite so many former Indiana football players to be busy with OTAâs in the NFL. While Fernando Mendozaâs absence made headlines last week, Trump was surprised to find out that key starters like Pat Coogan and DâAngelo Ponds werenât in attendance either. The President sought to highlight their contributions during his remarks.
âWe've got 15 of them in (NFL) training camp right now,â Cignetti told Trump.
âOh, I can't believe it,â the President said. âNo wonder you won.â
According to Trump, Mendoza called the President last week to tell him he wouldnât be able to attend the event. There were a handful of former IU players on the trip who graduated, but none of the ones who were drafted or signed to NFL teams.
U.S. President Donald Trump receives a team T-shirt from head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Trump has maintained close ties with former Alabama coach Nick Saban, Cignettiâs one-time mentor. It might help explain why the President was so impressed by the lopsided final score of IUâs 38-3 victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
âCoach, you've got to be kidding,â Trump said after reading the final score. âThat's right, over Alabama. That's a big one.â
Cignetti, who won a title as an assistant at Alabama for Saban, even poked fun at his former school as Trump spoke about the game.
âRoll tide,â Cignetti shouted.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, as he hosts the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendozaâs diving touchdown against the Hurricanes made quite the impression on Trump, who attended the CFP championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. The President raved about the play call on Monday afternoon with Cignetti by his side.
Facing a fourth-and-four from Miami's 12-yard line, Cignetti called a QB draw with his team holding onto a slim lead in the final 10 minutes. Mendoza scored by breaking a series of tackles and making a Superman-esque dive across the goal line.
âNo coach in America would have done what this guy did,â Trump said of Cignetti. âThey said, this guy is making such a mistake, and he won. That was a hell of a play. That's the kind of play if they don't do that play, if it doesn't work, that's like career-threatening, right?â
Trump circled back to the thought before talking about Jamari Sharpeâs interception.
âHe kept doing all this stuff,â Trump said. âThe things that weren't supposed to happen. You're just lucky you won that game because if you didn't, they would have said, this coach is crazy.â
Head football coach at Indiana University, Curt Cignetti, speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump hosts an event for the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions from Indiana University at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Trump frequently veered away from his prepared remarks to offer up asides on Indianaâs rags to riches story. Cignetti orchestrated a turnaround in just two seasons in Bloomington at a school with very little tradition in the sport.
âWhat you did is something that I don't think anybody's ever really done in college football history,â Trump said.
Trump, like many fans, was impressed with the way IU dispatched the sportâs blue bloods â mostly in lopsided fashion â on their journey to winning the CFP title.
âYou went through a lot of great teams,â Trump said. âAnd real football powerhouses over the years. That's pretty intimidating. Amazing. Top tens. This team lifted the Indiana football program from a historic low.â
For Trump, itâs what made Indianaâs 16-0 season distinct from other championship teams that have visited the White House.
âThe story of Indiana University is really a legendary story,â Trump said.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What President Donald Trump said about Indiana football, Curt Cignetti at White House