(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Indiana University's national championship football team was honored at the White House Monday, drawing a large group of Indiana political leaders and lawmakers to Washington for the celebration.
President Donald Trump hosted the Hoosiers after the team's undefeated season and College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Miami in January.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti joined Trump during the ceremony along with players including wide receiver Charlie Becker and defensive back Jamari Sharpe. Trump praised the team during remarks on the White House lawn, calling the Hoosiers "incredibly talented."
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza did not attend. Trump said Mendoza called to explain he was participating in team workouts after being selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A number of Indiana Republican lawmakers and statewide officials also attended the event and posted photos and videos from the White House grounds and meetings with Trump administration officials.
Those attending included House Speaker Todd Huston, State Representatives Tony Isa and Ben Smaltz, State Senators Liz Brown, Chris Garten, and Jeff Raatz, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales, U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks, and U.S. Representatives Marlin Stutzman and Jim Baird.
Several lawmakers shared videos of football activities on the White House lawn. Stutzman posted video of himself kicking a football through an inflatable field goal setup, while State Representative Andrew Ireland shared video throwing a football and later posted about discussions involving Indiana's primary election system.
Morales also posted photos and videos from the White House, saying he attended meetings discussing Indiana elections in addition to the championship celebration.
The Hoosiers finished the season by defeating Miami 27-21 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium in January.