Indiana Football Faces NCAA Eligibility Battles, But National Title Likely Safe

Hoosiers involved in ongoing lawsuits, but experts say championship win unlikely to be vacated.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Indiana football program recently completed a dominant 2025 season by winning the national championship game. However, the team has faced criticism over the age of its roster, with many players closer to their mid-20s than their teens. Now, the NCAA is threatening to vacate wins, erase stats, and fine schools if it wins its ongoing eligibility lawsuits, and Indiana's Louis Moore is directly in the crosshairs. While the situation remains uncertain, experts believe the Hoosiers' national title is likely to stand.

Why it matters

The NCAA's eligibility battles could have major implications for college football programs, potentially leading to the vacating of wins, erased stats, and hefty fines. Indiana's national championship victory is now under scrutiny, raising questions about the fairness of their roster composition and the integrity of the sport.

The details

According to reports, the NCAA is threatening action against schools involved in eligibility lawsuits, including Indiana's Louis Moore, Memphis' Cortez Braham, and SDSU's Tatuo Martinson. Indiana used a player, safety Louis Moore, who was originally deemed ineligible by the NCAA but permitted to play through a court's injunction. While the NCAA's lawsuits could lead to punishments, experts believe it is highly unlikely that the Hoosiers' national championship will be vacated.

  • Indiana won the national championship game in 2025.
  • The NCAA's eligibility lawsuits are ongoing.

The players

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana football team, who has established himself as one of the best in recent college football history.

Louis Moore

An Indiana football player who was originally deemed ineligible by the NCAA but permitted to play through a court's injunction.

Trinidad Chambliss

The Ole Miss quarterback who recently won a prolonged court battle to grant him another year of eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“The NCAA is threatening to vacate wins, erase stats, and fine schools if it wins its ongoing eligibility lawsuits. Indiana's Louis Moore, Memphis' Cortez Braham, and SDSU's Tatuo Martinson are directly in the crosshairs.”

— Pete Nakos, Reporter (On3 Sports)

“Indiana used a player originally deemed to be ineligible by the NCAA but permitted to play through a court's injunction: safety Louis Moore...”

— Ross Dellenger, Reporter (On3 Sports)

What’s next

The judge presiding over the NCAA's eligibility lawsuits will determine the fate of the schools and players involved, including whether any wins or statistics will be vacated.

The takeaway

The NCAA's eligibility battles highlight the complex and often controversial nature of college athletics. While Indiana's national championship victory is under scrutiny, the situation underscores the need for greater transparency and fairness in the NCAA's eligibility policies, ensuring the integrity of the sport for all student-athletes.