Indiana set a cinéma-poster dream season in 2024, and 2025 looks like a measured sprint rather than a leap of faith. Curt Cignetti leans into humble and hungry energy, insisting the goal is improvement, not a repeat of past headlines. Key returners anchor both lines and playmaking: Kamara on the edge, Ponds locking down one side, Sarratt threading big plays, and Mendoza bringing ceiling and reliability at quarterback. The schedule is tougher, but Indiana should still be favored in most games, with a roadmap to double-digit wins if the defense remains stingy and the offense keeps converting big plays.

Offensively, Mendoza’s pass game could spice up a historically potent attack, while the defense continues to bottleneck opponents per play. Indiana’s path to CFP talk hinges on balancing rugged road tests at Oregon and Penn State with home dates that favor its growth trajectory. Cignetti’s leadership—paired with a roster rich in experience—keeps the program moving toward sustained relevance rather than a one-year spike.

The San Francisco 49ers made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, allocating their first five picks entirely to defensive talent—an unprecedented strategy since 1981. One of the standout selections was defensive tackle CJ West from Indiana, who was rated highly by analysts for his run-defense capabilities, boasting an impressive 88.1 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024. Experts have labeled him a value pick, expected to strengthen the team's front line from day one.

With a remarkable college record of 52 tackles for loss since 2021, West is poised to be a critical asset for the 49ers' defense, reminiscent of the legendary Ronnie Lott and other defensive stars chosen back in 1981. General Manager John Lynch's focus on defense is a strategic response to the growing competition in the league, aimed at solidifying the team's playoff aspirations.

The San Francisco 49ers made a significant impact during the 2025 NFL Draft, utilizing all 11 of their picks to bolster their roster with a focus on defensive prowess. Key selections include DT CJ West, who, despite starting as a backup, is anticipated to enhance the defensive line’s depth immediately. The 49ers also secured S Marques Sigle, regarded as a versatile player capable of filling multiple roles in the secondary, potentially as a Day 1 starter. Other noteworthy choices were DE Mykel Williams and DL Alfred Collins, aimed at strengthening the front seven, which had been a critical area of need.

The remainder of their draft focused on adding depth at key positions, with RB Justin James and OL Connor Colby expected to contribute as role players. The 49ers also took a chance on QB Kurtis Rourke, who brings potential upside despite recovering from injury. Overall, this draft reflects a strategic effort to enhance the squad's competitiveness and address previous shortcomings, with an eye on making a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers effectively bolstered their defensive line by selecting Indiana defensive tackle CJ West with the 113th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Although West is considered undersized and lacks elite physical tools, his explosive initial burst and ability to leverage his low center of gravity make him a valuable asset. His skill set allows him to navigate past larger offensive linemen, making him a strong candidate for a starting role or at least a quality rotational position.

With the departure of three of their four starting defensive linemen, the 49ers were in dire need of reinforcements, and West’s high floor promises immediate contributions. This selection not only fills a critical gap but also helps maintain the depth and competitiveness of San Francisco’s defensive front.