During a White House visit, Trump praised the Indiana Hoosiers football team for their impressive 16-0 season and first national championship, stating they were previously underestimated.
Key points
Trump praised Indiana Hoosiers football team at the White House
The team completed a perfect 16-0 season
They won their first national championship
Trump attended the championship game against Miami
He acknowledged the team's underestimated talent
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpThe White House
MiamiIndiana HoosiersCFP national title game
Trump says Indiana football was 'underestimated... not anymore' during White House visit
“I watched that game. I watched these guys," Trump said Monday. "They can play, they can play. And they were a little underestimated, but I just said not anymore… they were incredibly talented.”
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I’ve got to prove myself,” Mendoza told reporters May 2. “I can’t miss practice. I don’t have the calendar, but as a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look. I want to try to best serve my teammates, and I don’t know if that’d be accomplishing that goal.”
Q&A
What did Trump say about Indiana football during the White House visit?
Trump stated that Indiana football was underestimated but emphasized that they are now recognized for their talent following their championship win.
When did the Indiana Hoosiers football team visit the White House?
The Indiana Hoosiers football team visited the White House on May 11, 2025.
What was Indiana Hoosiers' record for the season?
The Indiana Hoosiers finished the season with a perfect record of 16-0.
Who did Indiana Hoosiers defeat in the national championship game?
The Indiana Hoosiers defeated Miami with a score of 27-21 in the CFP national title game.
Related Articles
Sports
Spurs held by Leeds as relegation fight takes another dramatic twist
Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Leeds leaves them in a relegation fight.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Hull sink Millwall to reach Championship play-off final
Hull City secures Championship play-off final spot with 2-0 win over Millwall
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Boston Celtics take Crimson Tide forward in latest mock draft
Boston Celtics set to select Amari Allen with 27th pick in NBA draft
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Boxing·Recap
Jake Paul reveals why he may never fight again after Anthony Joshua knockout
Jake Paul reveals he may never fight again after Anthony Joshua's knockout
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Spurs draw with Leeds for priceless point in Premier League survival fight
Tottenham Hotspur secures a vital point against Leeds United in Premier League survival fight.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
NJ judge rejects bid to drop charges in Gaudreau brothers crash case
NJ judge denies motion to drop charges in Gaudreau brothers crash case
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) embraces his family on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lifts the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti holds up the trophy as the team celebrates winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is interviewed by ESPN personality Rece Davis after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Lincoln Murff (45) celebrates on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti celebrates on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
A national champions flag is is seen after the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Devan Boykin (12), wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) and linebacker PJ Nelson (30) celebrate after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Indiana Hoosiers reacts against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Ryland Gandy (10) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with wide receiver Charlie Becker (80) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of the CFP National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe (22) celebrates with defensive back Louis Moore (7) after making an interception against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe (22) reacts after getting an interception against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
1 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) embraces his family on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
1 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) embraces his family on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
2 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
3 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) lifts the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
4 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti holds up the trophy as the team celebrates winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
5 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is interviewed by ESPN personality Rece Davis after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
6 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Lincoln Murff (45) celebrates on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
7 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
8 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti celebrates on the field Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
9 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
A national champions flag is is seen after the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
10 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Devan Boykin (12), wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) and linebacker PJ Nelson (30) celebrate after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
11 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
12 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
The Indiana Hoosiers reacts against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
13 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Ryland Gandy (10) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
14 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
15 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with wide receiver Charlie Becker (80) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half of the CFP National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium.
16 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
The Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.
17 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe (22) celebrates with defensive back Louis Moore (7) after making an interception against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
18 / 18
Indiana Hoosiers claim first national football title over Miami
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe (22) reacts after getting an interception against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
