Indiana blocked punts: How Hoosier’s special teams unit is unsung part of IU’s success originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Over the course of their 15-0 run leading into the College Football Playoff championship, the Indiana Hoosiers’ offense and defense have earned plenty of national praise.
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With a Heisman Trophy quarterback and a well-coached defense making headlines in the CFP, there’s been a lot to break down for Curt Cignetti’s team. But one aspect of the Hoosiers’ success hasn’t received much attention: special teams.
In Monday’s championship matchup against the Miami Hurricanes, Indiana extended its lead with a huge blocked punt. Throughout the 2025–26 season, opponents have consistently struggled to get punts off against the Hoosiers.
Here’s a look at Indiana’s CFP championship blocked punt touchdown and how it continued a trend for Cignetti’s squad.
MORE CFP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NEWS:
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Indiana blocked punt against Miami
Indiana was in control of Monday’s game throughout the first half, but when Mark Fletcher Jr. put up a 57-yard touchdown in the third quarter, Miami pulled back within three points. Needing an answer, the Hoosiers got one on special teams.
Dylan Joyce’s punt for Miami on 4th & 1, deep into Hurricanes territory, was easily swatted down by Mikail Kamara. His teammate, Isaiah Jones, was right there with eyes on the football, tracking it down in the end zone for a quick touchdown to make it 17-13.
Naturally, Cignetti didn’t seem too impressed by his special teams unit’s big play.
How many punts has Indiana blocked this year?
Monday’s blocked punt was the fourth of Indiana’s unbeaten 2025-26 season, including the CFP. According to CFB Stats, only Penn State, Toledo and Texas Tech had more this season, with five each.
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The massive championship play also marked Indiana’s second-straight CFP game with a blocked punt. Against Oregon in the semifinals, Daniel Ndukwe blocked a Ducks punt in the fourth quarter of an eventual blowout 56-22 win for the Hoosiers.
MORE: The stats that define Indiana’s defensive dominance in CFP
How many punts has Indiana blocked under Curt Cignetti?
In two seasons under Curt Cignetti, Indiana now has eight blocked punts between 2024 and 2025.
The Hoosiers have gone 26-2 overall under Cignetti, with special teams plays playing a significant role in their success.
Who is Indiana’s special teams coach?
Indiana’s special teams coach is Grant Cain, who is also the Hoosiers’ tight ends coach. He has coached under Cignetti for seven seasons, including both years in Bloomington.
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Cain first joined Cignetti at James Madison in 2019 as a special teams/tight ends coach. He was later promoted to assistant head coach for the Dukes, before departing for Indiana with Cignetti.
In Cain’s first season at Indiana, the team had four blocked kicks (three punts, one field goal), which led the Big Ten.
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