Trump Hosts Champion Indiana Hoosiers at White House

President Donald Trump hosted the Indiana Hoosiers football team at the White House on Monday to celebrate their undefeated 16-0 season and first College Football Playoff national championship.

The Hoosiers, who defeated Miami in the January title game after victories over top-ranked teams including Ohio State, Alabama and Oregon, completed a historic turnaround under head coach Curt Cignetti. Trump praised Cignetti for transforming the program since taking over in 2023 following a 3-9 season. "Curt Cignetti has turned out to be, I believe, the coach of the last decade," Trump said during the South Lawn ceremony attended by players, university officials, Indiana lawmakers and administration figures including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Trump recounted Cignetti's confident declaration at his introductory press conference: "I win. I just know how to win." He noted the coach's success validated that bravado, calling it a story unlike any in recent college football history.

Several players addressed the crowd. Defensive back Jamari Sharpe credited Cignetti, saying, "Coach Cigs is a very good coach. I stayed and I'm...