The Indiana Hoosiers football program has undergone significant roster changes ahead of the 2025 season, with several players altering their jersey numbers and new additions bringing fresh talent to the team.
Jersey Number Changes:
Nicolas Radicic, Kicker: Previously wearing number 39, Radicic has switched to number 15.
Daniel Ndukwe, Defensive Line: Ndukwe has changed his jersey from number 91 to number 17.
New Roster Additions:
The Hoosiers have welcomed 32 newcomers to the team, including 18 transfers and 14 freshmen.
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback: A transfer from the University of California, Mendoza brings impressive credentials to Indiana. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, he threw for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games during the 2024 season. Over his two seasons at Cal, Mendoza completed 66.5% of his passes for 4,712 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions across 20 games. Additionally, he rushed for 197 yards and four touchdowns.
Roman Hemby, Running Back: Hemby, a 6-foot, 208-pound junior, transferred from the University of Maryland. In the 2024 season, he rushed for 607 yards and six touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 273 yards and one score across 12 games. His standout performance came against Indiana, where he rushed for 117 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run. Throughout his four seasons with Maryland, he accumulated 3,268 yards from scrimmage and scored 27 touchdowns in 42 games.
These additions are expected to bolster the Hoosiers’ offense significantly.
Roster Departures:
The team has also experienced some departures:
Tyler Cherry, Quarterback: Cherry will serve as a student coach for the upcoming season while recovering from a knee injury sustained in December. A former four-star recruit, he is expected to return to the roster in 2026.
Jamier Johnson, Cornerback: Johnson, who started 10 games and appeared in 12 during the 2024 season, making 35 tackles and one interception, is no longer with the program.
Josh Philostin, Cornerback: Philostin has entered the transfer portal, leaving the team ahead of the 2025 season.
These changes reflect the dynamic nature of college football rosters, with players moving in and out to align with their personal goals and the team’s strategic needs.
As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, these roster adjustments, including jersey number changes and new additions, are poised to influence the team’s performance and dynamics on the field.
