As the 2025 college football season progresses, Indiana has made significant strides, capturing eight consecutive victories. With only four games remaining, the Hoosiers are battling for a chance to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and aim for their second straight College Football Playoff appearance. Their next challenge is a road game against Maryland, set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland.
Injury Updates: Kamara and Hemby
Prior to the game, the Hoosiers are dealing with some injury concerns. Senior linebacker Aiden Fisher, who contributed to Indiana’s dominant 56-6 victory over UCLA, left that game with a knee injury. He started strong with a pick-six but had to be taken out as a precautionary measure. Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, has listed him as “questionable” for the upcoming matchup against Maryland.
Additionally, Brendan Franke, a specialist for the team, is also considered questionable following an undisclosed injury sustained during the last game.
Kwikk Managing Expectations on Defense
Defensive lineman Mikail Kamara has set high expectations for himself this season. At the Big Ten Football Media Days, he aimed to break the program record of 16 sacks in a season and reach a target of 20. Last season, he recorded 10 sacks and was recognized as a first-team All-Big Ten player. However, his current season shows only one sack through eight games, with three total tackles for loss. Coach Cignetti commented on this, emphasizing the need for Kamara to elevate his performance.
Maryland’s Hemby Returns Home
On the other side, redshirt senior running back Roman Hemby is set to return to Maryland, where he played for four seasons before transferring to Indiana in December 2024. This season, Hemby has amassed 513 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 107 carries, alongside 10 receptions for 131 yards. His performance will be crucial against his former team.
Maryland’s head coach, Mike Locksley, reflected on the loss of both Hemby and defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt, who is currently sidelined with a long-term injury. For Locksley, retaining them would have posed financial challenges, but he acknowledged their contributions to the team.
Game Forecast and Focus
As Indiana eyes a potential 9-0 record for the second consecutive year, quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been identified as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, with odds currently at +185, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Despite the accolades, Coach Cignetti emphasizes the importance of remaining focused. He aims for the team to concentrate on their current performance rather than past achievements.
Kaelon Black, a sixth-year senior, has echoed Cignetti’s call for humility and avoiding complacency. He believes that the team’s mindset is critical to building upon last year’s success while striving for greater accomplishments this season.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana seeks to maintain its unbeaten record at 9-0.
- Aiden Fisher is questionable for the upcoming game against Maryland.
- Mikail Kamara aims to improve his performance after a slow start this season.
- Roman Hemby hopes to make an impact against his former team.
- Focus and preparation remain critical for Indiana’s success moving forward.
