Indiana Celebrates Football Title and Basketball Victory

Hoosiers fans enjoy a dream doubleheader as football champs take victory lap and basketball team beats rival Purdue

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15am

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Indiana Hoosiers fans were treated to a celebratory doubleheader on Tuesday night, first watching the college football national champions take a victory lap, then seeing the basketball team defeat rival Purdue in a hard-fought game at Assembly Hall. The raucous crowd played a key role in both victories, with the basketball team crediting the fans' energy for helping them overcome the Boilermakers.

Why it matters

Indiana's success in both football and basketball this season has sparked a renewed sense of pride and excitement among the Hoosiers faithful. The back-to-back wins showcase the university's athletic prowess and the passion of its fan base, further cementing Bloomington's status as a hub for college sports in the state.

The details

The football team, fresh off winning the national championship, kicked off the evening with one more victory lap in front of the adoring fans. Then the basketball team took the court, holding off a late surge from rival Purdue to secure a crucial conference win. Indiana's tough, physical play and stifling defense were the keys to victory, mirroring the approach that fueled the football team's improbable championship run.

  • The football team's victory lap took place on Tuesday night.
  • The basketball game between Indiana and Purdue was played on Tuesday night.

The players

Darian DeVries

The first-year head coach of the Indiana basketball team, who experienced the intensity of the rivalry and Assembly Hall for the first time.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana football team, whose initial comments about his disdain for Purdue added to the rivalry's intensity.

Matt Painter

The head coach of the Purdue basketball team, who acknowledged his team's need to improve and compete better in the rematch against Indiana.

Lamar Wilkerson

An Indiana basketball player who made crucial free throws in the closing moments to seal the victory over Purdue.

Conor Enright

Another Indiana basketball player who contributed to the team's late-game heroics against Purdue.

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What they’re saying

“When that place is loud and rocking like that, it's a big, big deal for us. There are a lot of tough places to play in the Big Ten and we want this to be one of the toughest places there is, not only in the Big Ten but in the country, because it does matter. It makes a difference in games.”

— Darian DeVries, Head Coach, Indiana Basketball (wbal.com)

“We've got to finish more plays. We can't have seven turnovers in the first half, but defensively we have to be better. We have to compete and do a better job there, and I've got to do a better job because when we win, we win together. When we lose, we lose together. But we've got to get it figured out quick.”

— Matt Painter, Head Coach, Purdue Basketball (wbal.com)

What’s next

Purdue will have a chance to avenge their loss to Indiana when the two teams meet again on February 20th in front of the Boilermakers' home crowd.

The takeaway

Indiana's success in both football and basketball this season has united the Hoosiers faithful and solidified Bloomington's reputation as a powerhouse for college sports in the state. The back-to-back victories showcase the university's athletic prowess and the passion of its fan base, setting the stage for an intense rematch between Indiana and Purdue in the coming weeks.