Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Pat Coogan, Aiden Fisher, Riley Nowakowski & Elijah Sarratt
1/13/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –––– As Indiana Football's National Championship Game matchup against Miami on Monday (January 19) approaches, seniors Pat Coogan, Aiden Fisher, Riley Nowakowski and Elijah Sarratt addressed the media inside the Don Croftcheck Football Team Room on Tuesday (January 13).
Below is a full transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Pat Coogan | OL | R-Sr.
On what he sees from Miami's defensive line and their overall defense…
PC: They are very physical, very violent. They are special players, especially on the outside, and it's not like their interior drops off at all, either. All across the board, really talented players. The physical attributes are there. They maximize their physical attributes.
They fly around and they're a fast, violent group that's coached really well and do their jobs well. It's going to be a huge challenge for us and one that we have to prepare for and be ready for.
On pulling from last year's experience in the National Championship Game…
PC: Yeah, I think it's been similar to what we have been talking about during this whole playoff run, just being where our feet are and maximizing each day and each opportunity.
Maximizing our practices, making sure we go out on the practice field and have the best day possible and really taking what we're learning in the meetings and putting it onto the field.
At the end of the day, it's another football game, right? The stage is big. The stage has been big the past couple of weeks.
The game is between the white lines. I think we have done a good job of having that headspace and having that mindset, never making it bigger than it is, and really just making sure we're putting in the work and putting in the prep so that when we get to game day we put our best foot forward.
On the six offensive linemen packages…
PC: Yeah, it's just a package that we have. The defense could sub in their heavier package in relation to that. So I'm always aware of it, definitely.
Sometimes they don't match, though. Oregon matched a few times and other times they didn't. First 11 personnel they went heavier which they never did during the season. They went 5-2. And then other times when we brought in that heavier package, they stayed in 4-2 base.
So you just always good to be aware of it, especially as a center, because the specific plays that are within that package consist of a specific mic ID, so you got to be aware of it for sure.
On his dive to recover Fernando Mendoza's fumble and if Coach Cignetti said anything about it…
PC: No, I haven't heard anything from him. There's always stuff to improve on. We actually did work on that. We did a drill early in fall camp at the end of practices just falling on fumbles and stuff. We've worked on it, believe it or not, but there's always room to improve.
On his fearless mindset to go after the loose ball…
PC: It's definitely a mindset that's been instilled in me from an early age, just way back when chasing after the ball. Because you really never know, right? Those abilities to hop on loose balls can really change the game and change the outcome of a game. They happen very so often but they're big moments. They're really big moments.
It's happened a few times to me in my career. Yeah, any one of us could have been in that position because any one of us runs after the ball and takes great pride in that. It just so happened that the ball bounced our way and bounced my way.
I was happy to be there for my quarterback because he's been there for me many times, escaped pressure, whatever it may be. He's had my back numerous, numerous times, so I was happy to have his for once.
On if this is the toughest line he has to face this season…
PC: Yeah, it's one of the best, but at the same time, we take great pride in protecting the quarterback no matter who we're playing. I think that's just an absolute key emphasis for us this week to protect the quarterback and obviously run the ball. That's part of who we are and our DNA.
But no matter who we're playing, we have to protect our quarterback. We have to protect the quarterback in every situation, every down. We know how special he can be and how good our offense can be when we give him the time to execute. No matter who we're playing, we need to protect the quarterback and it's the same message this week.
On how Coach Cignetti said this is the best team of his to stick to his message…
PC: Certainly I think he always says and it's true, it's a very veteran group. It's a mature group. It's a group that's been around the block, played a lot of football, and a group that knows how to take messages and put them on the field because of just how much football we've played, how much football a lot of guys have played together and sort of like that. So I think we have done a great job of, like he said, just taking that mindset and putting it into between the white lines.
It certainly starts with him and just a mindset that he implements within our program and even starting back in January, February, he's saying the same stuff he's saying before we walk out for the Peach Bowl, right? So the messages don't really change. I think that's why we see that success. It's ingrained in our minds.
On keeping his mind even keel and not letting the moment get too big…
PC: Yeah, I've learned from a lot of great veteran leadership at an early age, a lot of great coaches. This is my fifth year. I've played a lot of football. I've been around success. I've been around failure. I've been around everything in between. I've kind of just learned throughout the years of what really matters in the moment. Obviously how to win with class but also how to handle failure. So I think everything in between has molded me and my mindset.
And certainly, there's a great amount of joy after victories, and there's a great amount of -- just very proud of the group and stuff like that but I also understand and know how much more there is to get done because I have been in those shoes, and I think especially last year, that playoff experience helped me and kind of just shaped me and my mindset.
But at the end of the day, I've been around it all it feels like, so it's really just shaped me kind of into the guy I am today but also surely the player, right? And just how I handle everything: Success, failure, adversity and everything in between.
On how he is shutting out the noise…
PC: We understand that outside noise is exactly what it is, it's outside. It has no impact on our ability to go perform on the football field. It's not going to score us any touchdowns. It's not going to convert any third downs defensively. It's not going to stop any third downs or get us off the field.
That's exactly what it is. It's all clutter. It's all noise, it's all distraction and like I said, we have a very veteran group and a mature group, and certainly Coach Cig instills that mindset of eliminate all noise and clutter.
We really do. We try our best to. We're humans as well, so sometimes it gets difficult. But I believe we have done a great job of doing so and we need to continue to do so.
On if this weeks feels like a normal week unlike the difference in downtime between the previous Bowls…
PC: Yeah, it's great. We really are starting a normal week here. I think it's getting everyone back into the groove and normal preparation. Coach Cig and Coach DO have done a great job of implementing schedules that make sense and schedules that help us and maximize the hours within the building.
So I'm excited for the workweek. It's going to be a great week of prep. We just got to put in the work.
On if there is a previous National Championship Game that sticks out in his mind…
PC: That's a great question. Probably the one I remember vividly because I was in high school was 2019 LSU. That was a big year. And just the Alabama years, kind of growing up in the mid-2010s or whenever that was.
Besides that, it feels like it's all mixed together now. But, yeah, those couple times. Thanks, guys.
Aiden Fisher | LB | Sr.
On if he expected Coach Cignetti to stay at James Madison after the 2023 season…
AF: Yeah, after the last game, I don't think anybody really expected him to leave. And then we had some fans that were tracking flights in and out. So then once we saw it was Bloomington, we all looked up: What is Bloomington? I was with all my buddies at JMU, they all looked at me and were like, You're going to Indiana.
And it was just kind of a funny scenario. But I don't think anybody expected him to leave or come here, but sure glad he did.
On if he addressed the team…
AF: Yeah, he addressed the team in a team meeting before we started the bowl prep for the Armed Forces Bowl.
He initially planned on coaching us in that bowl game. Obviously that's not how business went down, and that was kind of it after that.
On if he was tracking flights…
AF: I was not tracking flights, no.
On the three linebacker setup…
AF: Yeah, we have a lot of sets, a lot of three-linebacker sets. We can show up internal. We can show up on the edge. We can have somebody play the rover spot, the hokie/stud spot. That helps us in certain situations, down in distance, things like that. But it makes our defense a lot more multiple, being able to blitz different guys, drop different guys. And Coach Haines, he doesn't care who drops, it's a 305-pound D-tackle or linebacker.
Being able to have those guys on the field, it helps our defense be a little more multiple, but it's also a big thing for the offense because you have no clue who's coming, who's not. It's huge to have those guys that built their confidence, they're playing the way they are right now. We're at a good spot with the three-linebacker setup.
On how Coach Cignetti changes habits of the guys he coaches…
AF: All the time. I was on the phone with my mom about two days ago. I don't even remember what we were talking about. I was just like, Yeah, I hope somebody doesn't get complacent. And I was like, Wow, I have been with Cig way too long. And she said, Yeah, I said the same thing the other day. She used the word "complacent."
It's funny when you've been with somebody for so long you start talking like them a little bit. Everything he talks about is true in football and in life, complacency kills. Everything about just the way he makes this football program makes you a better person too.
And I think my mom gets that when I'm texting her: No more talking about the last game, on to the next.
It's funny how long I have been with him and the things that rub off on me.
On if the team is aware about being considered one of the best teams in the last 15-20 years…
AF: Yeah, I'll save that question for after this next game. It won't mean really anything unless we walk away with a win in this game. I'm proud of where the team's at right now. I think we're playing well all together, and we got to put it on the field Monday night.
On how Coach Cignetti said this team has taken his messaging to heart more than any other team…
AF: We all know Cig's been in these positions before. He's played in big games. At the end of the day, players just want to win. Whatever he deems is the most important thing, we're going to follow that.
We have an older team of veteran leadership that has been in these big games. We have been in the situations that we're facing right now. So it's all about taking the past experiences and kind of moving forward with them.
And obviously Coach does a great job with that, but having the older guys we have, taking the message and relaying it to the younger guys, relaying it to the room, and our assistant coaches do a great job with it too.
It's just making sure we're all adapted to one message and that we're on the same page at all times.
On delayed gratification and how that applies to the season…
AF: The good thing is I think we built a couple of experiences off doing that. Last probably two months has been a lot of highs for us. And then there's been some lows in there too. But it's all about take it, enjoy it for the moment, and then move on.
I think, when you get in the postseason especially, that's how you have to live. We took the 24 hours after the Peach Bowl or the Rose Bowl to enjoy it, and you're on to the next thing.
I think that's why we keep moving forward. We're not satisfied with anything. We just want to earn more opportunities to play with each other, earn more opportunities to prove ourself as a team, as an individual. And that's how you be successful.
On keeping the chip on the shoulder despite all the success…
AF: Yeah, we know it won't mean anything unless we walk away with a win in this game. I don't think anybody is really paying attention to all this stuff that people are putting out there. We have a lot to clean up from that Oregon film, a lot of sloppy plays, especially in the second half as a defense and the one long drive they had before the half.
We know there's so much more room for improvement. All the things that you guys have pointed out, historical things, doesn't really mean anything to us right now. We're all focused on Miami. They're a great team that has a lot of weapons that are really good on the line, at least the offensive side.
We have a lot to deal with, a lot of handle. Everything else will take care of itself, and we just got to win this game.
On how the worse thing the team could do is make the game bigger than it is…
AF: Yeah, I think it's kind of two sides for me. It's a four-quarter football game. It's the same amount of time, you're playing it on grass. You're still in helmet, cleats, and pads. It's just football.
The other thing I told the linebackers yesterday is it's an opportunity that's rare. So I just kind of encouraged everybody to block everything out for one week. Just give me one week of everything they have and just prepare like it's your last game of the season. I just need everybody to kind of understand the opportunity we're having right now.
At the end of the day, we're going to prepare the same way we prepared for Old Dominion in week one, just because that's the way we're wired, the way we do things. And if not, it's a disservice to yourself, to your team.
So I think just making sure we're on top of everything, but knowing that this opportunity is rare, put your everything into it so you can walk off the field with no regrets and it's something that you'll hold with you for a very long time.
On the kinds of problems Miami presents…
AF: Yeah, they're really balanced on offense, great O-line, great running backs. Receivers are great. They have somebody who can break a game in No. 10 and a good quarterback who is an experienced veteran who has been doing this for a while now, and then a really good OC with a good scheme.
When you put all that together, you get an elite offense that's exactly who they've been throughout the playoffs, throughout the whole regular season. It's definitely a big challenge for us and something we're excited for.
It's about all limiting their explosive plays and stopping the run, first of all. They've had a lot of success running the ball, they have great running backs, a really good O-line. It's going to be on us as a D-line and linebackers and front seven to stop that first. Once the pass game gets going, they get dangerous too.
It's a lot to minimize for them, but great offense, and we're excited for the opportunity to match up against them.
On the way the team tends to start out strong…
AF: It's just the way it's played out. I have seen all the stuff about different things for our team. It's funny and kind of ridiculous to me, but we watch film, we study, we prepare.
A lot of people have put things out, but we just do a great job preparing. We have things that we can see within our preparation, and then we have the best D coordinator in college football. So when you match up those things, you get off to fast starts as a defense. Yeah.
Riley Nowakowski | TE | R-Sr.+
On Miami's defensive ends…
RN: They're fast, they're physical, and they're violent. It's kind of what they pride themselves on, just being a violent, physical team, and it shows on the film and at all three levels. The D-lines, you got those two edges, those are good players, you know?
So they play really violent, and then linebackers are filling gaps, and you even got guys on the third level, safeties, cornerbacks, coming down, sticking people. That's one of their greatest strengths, how violent and fast they play.
They're not worried about making mistakes. They know their brothers are going to have their back. They're all rallying to the ball, all chasing it. That's their biggest advantage, just how violent and how fast they play.
On if he was aware of Curt's viral moments and how aware he was of him before coming to IU…
RN: The Google me one had come across my Instagram feed, but honestly, in season, you're in your own little bubble so you don't see a whole lot going on outside. I was aware of the standings of Big Ten and how Indiana was doing, but I wasn't super aware of Coach Cignetti and what he was doing. They weren't on our schedule, so it was not in my mind at the time.
Once I got into the transfer portal, I started looking at college football as a whole. And as you do at the end of the season, you look at where everybody ended up and how everything shook out, and I was like, Oh, wow. That's special to turn that team around like that.
After our last game of the season, checking everything out, see who made the bowl game and all that stuff, That's when I figured that out.
On if it feels like the rhythm is back that was lost during Rose Bowl week…
RN: Yeah, it definitely feels like we're right back in it, which I personally appreciate that rhythm both mentally and physically that your body gets in of prepping and getting back in playing shape. I appreciate it a lot.
And Cig really values his rhythm too and being in our normal schedule. I think it's been really good, and we're trying our best this week to continue that normal schedule and just kind of keep it rolling. That's the best way to do it, approach every game kind of the same way.
On how Coach Cignetti instills the 'chip on the shoulder' mentality despite being the top team…
RN: First of all, he does it by example, right? He comes in every day at 4:00, 5:00 a.m., and is watching film until everybody has left the stadium. That's the first thing.
Every single time he talks to us, he's going to hammer on the point that nothing we got before is going to earn us anything in the future. Every single game has to be approached the exact same way.
I think just having that hammered into your head every single time you see him and hear him talk, eventually it gets the message across. When I saw you here, that's kind of all you think about.
I think it's just always reminding us and, honestly, personally, from his point of view, never getting complacent. Complacency is easy when you're winning games and doing well. It's just kind of him not getting complacent, and we always just attach onto that and ride with it.
On how Charlie Becker has emerged…
RN: Yeah, I think Charlie has always had the skill and the potential. I watched him through spring ball and fall camp, and I thought this guy is a phenomenal receiver. And obviously we had a loaded receivers room at the beginning of the year with Coop, E.J., and E.
So we started off with them, and I think E.J. got a little banged up one game, and so Charlie came in. I think Charlie always had that potential, but it was an older room that was in front of him. He got that opportunity and made the most of it.
If you asked anybody on the team, before he started getting as much attention and as much time as he's got, if he was able to do that stuff, I think everybody in the locker room would be fully confident that he had that skill. But it was just a matter of showing the rest of the world.
We got a lot of guys on our team that are like that. It's a very next-man-up mentality, and we don't feel like there's a lot of drop-off when we go to that next man. Charlie has that star potential. It just goes to show he had that opportunity and seized it.
On filtering out the promos and all the talk around the National Championship Game…
RN: Yeah, me personally, I switch the TV off. I don't watch a lot of TV during the week. Even in the training rooms, we have TVs in the training rooms on, just normal stuff, sports stuff. ESPN was talking about the national championship, and I just went over to the monitor and turned it off. We don't need to hear this.
We try to eliminate all that, whether it's good or bad. We don't need to hear the talk about us. I think that's the messaging throughout the team. You don't need to be going on social media, searching up your name or checking out what they have to say.
It's probably a little better stuff now than maybe at the beginning of the season. People may have a little more belief. But either way, good or bad, it doesn't help us out much. Everybody can say whatever they want about us.
It's not going to help us win a game. We have to tune that stuff out, and I think the whole team is in on that.
On training your mind to be level-headed even after all the big wins…
RN: Me personally, that's how I was raised. My parents told me never get too high, never get too low. That's something I have carried with me my whole life.
Cig brings in people who are like-minded in that way. He's not going to bring in a lot of big, flashy guys. He's big on character when he chooses who he wants here. That helps out a lot. If you have a big group of guys, all of good character and have a similar mindset, it kind of pulls some guys along that might not fully be there yet.
I think that's how he helps lead the team in that way. He brings in guys that collectively bring everybody along with him. I think that's part of it. They talk about our age a lot recently. I think that's part of one of the advantages that we have in our age, just a little bit more experience, a little bit more knowledge that winning a big game is exciting and great, but winning a big game just gives you an opportunity for another one so you have to refocus and get with that.
Hopefully the older guys are able to impart a little knowledge on the guys who haven't been there before. Hopefully that helps us out.
On reflecting on his collegiate career…
RN: Yeah, it's what I dreamed about when I started all that. It's definitely -- it's kind of like a dream come true. I thought -- I always believed in myself that I had the ability to do this, but to see it all play out, I got to thank the man upstairs. You can't do it yourself. You can't do any of this yourself.
I have been lucky to have a good set of circumstances where I was not only able to get an opportunity to be on a scholarship but then able to play for a really good team here and compete for a national championship. It's just a lot of opportunities that you get. It's something special. It's a really cool thing to be part of.
I haven't really fully reflected on it yet. I'm kind of focused on this next game, but hopefully after this next game I will have a second to sit down and think about that.
On the fun in the dominating wins…
RN: Yeah, definitely. Shoot, for me, every day football is fun. It's definitely a businesslike approach and you have to be intentional about everything you're doing. You have to be on top of your stuff.
But the day football isn't fun for me, I'm not going to play anymore. I love this sport. I enjoy it a lot. And I think that's a great balance you have to strike, enjoying yourself and having fun with the sport while also being able to approach it like it's a little bit of your job.
I think there's definitely every moment, every time we step out on that field, I'm having fun, I'm enjoying it, but it's that mentality that this is serious work and needs a lot of focus and attention.
On how fun it is to play on a team with no true superstar and many elite players…
RN: Shoot, it makes my life easier, and I like to say all the time, so much skill on offense, so many great players on defense, it really does make everybody's job easier. We have six different guys scored touchdowns last game.
That's special. Having six guys score touchdowns in the semifinals is insane. It speaks to the depth that we have across the board.
It helps out all our receivers because you can't solo one guy out. We have two running backs that are both phenomenal. One guy gets tired, put the next guy in. There's no drop-off. I think that's critical to how successful our team has been.
Obviously, you have the defense, too. You have guys all over the place making plays. And we have had some guys go down, but next guy steps up and he's making plays too.
Daniel Ndukwe had two sacks and a blocked punt. That's huge. That's a guy that hasn't played much this season, but he comes in and he's played in the Rose Bowl and now the Peach Bowl, and he's had a big impact in those games.
It's huge. All the talent we have all around, it's a joy to be part of. It makes my job easier. You don't have to fight and scratch as much. It opens things up. I'm happy to be part of it.
Elijah Sarratt | WR | Sr.
On Miami's approach and the way they attack receivers in his position…
ES: Yeah, from what we've talked about, what I've seen, they're mostly zone on the year, cover four, cover two. But they do run man a lot. I'll say that's the second coverage, cover one, like a lot of one-high safeties most of the time. It's changed up between them. But so far, it's either cover four, two, or one. Coach Hetherman, my brother, actually, knew him, played with him at JMU, speaks highly of him. It's going to be a challenge. He's been having those boys fly around. I'm sure it will mix a couple coverages up. It will be a good one.
On what was going on at James Madison when the word got out that Curt Cignetti was going to Indiana…
ES: Yeah, towards the end of the year, there were rumors on Twitter and stuff and everyone was talking about he was taking calls and everything, and people were tracking his flight. They tracked his flight all the way to Bloomington. And that next day or something we were about to have a team meeting, and it was announced on Twitter.
And he came in and basically told us: I got to take this job at Indiana. It's what's best for me.
It went from there. Before that, yeah, people were tracking his flights, rumors on Twitter and stuff. So it was crazy.
On how the team gets amped for the games…
ES: Big music guy. I try not to be locked in all day, so in the morning I'm just chilling. Rod Wave is the first one I turn on because he's a chill rapper, not too hype. And then I throw on some gospel just to keep me calm, thank the lord and everything.
But as it gets closer to the game -- I have this playlist that I've had. Right when we get to the stadium and I go out for my own pre-game warmup, that's when I turn it on. And from there it's just locking in and just embracing the moment. I take a couple deep breaths when I'm on the field, look at the stadium, embrace the moment. And from there, I'm just ready to go.
On what is on the playlist…
ES: Always the same playlist. I add and take stuff out of it if I'm listening to it or not listening to it. But, yeah, it's the same playlist.
On when he became a jump ball widout…
ES: Yeah, for real, for real, I have always been pretty good at jump ball since I have been in high school. I just naturally have been good at it and been able to adjust my body and stuff. Just blessed with that ability.
Hands-wise, really just the amount of catches I catch a day and the amount of work I put in, really. That's all it is. After practice, I'm getting catches in. I don't really do too much like strengthening hand stuff and all that, but just catch footballs. That's really it.
On his extra work throughout practice…
ES: I always get at least 100 after practice. And then in between practice, I don't really count. But if I'm just sitting around while we're in special teams or something, I go with the quarterbacks and catch some passes. Just try to accumulate as much as I can.
On where him and Fernando Mendoza adopted some NFL concepts in back shoulder throws…
ES: It was Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, to be specific. Since I've been watching Davante Adams and since he's been with Aaron Rodgers, he's done a great job of getting the release off the ball, and then around 12, 14 yards, Aaron Rodgers just throwing a laser and just falls out and it drops in the bucket.
I tend to win off the line more times than not, so I felt like I had a good chance of it. Now, I know, like, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, that's a whole 'nother level that I someday pray I can reach to.
But Fernando, he was with it on that, same day after practice, we got a couple reps in, just trying to work it, be similar with how they were looking with it, and just went from there. And then just communication after that. I try not to be picky, I just try to tell him let me get my hands on it, and he does a great job putting it on the money, and we just go from there.
On treating this game like every other week…
ES: Really just like you said, keeping things the same, eliminating the clutter and keeping things in the locker room. There's going to be a lot of talk on social media about how big the game is, how big the moment is. We're treating it like any other game. That's what you have to do. You don't want to make the moment bigger than it is.
We understand it's the national championship and a lot of people are going to be watching, but we're going to treat this practice week the same. Go in, work every single day leading up to that game.
On his conversation with Coach Cignetti about transferring to Indiana…
ES: Same thing like he always is, walked in the office, feet kicked up, chilling, How do you like it here? We're chopping it up. He's asking me what other visits I went to. I told him, and he didn't really like that answer and he was just like, This is the place for you. You know I'm going to take care of you. You know I'm going to get you the ball. You're cool. You know the strength staff and everybody.
That's kind of all I needed to hear. He told me about Curt, how good Curt is, how good he thinks he is, which Curt lived up to that and more. After shaking his hand and stuff, I knew it was the best fit for me, the comfortability and familiarity and everything.
On eliminating noise and clutter…
ES:: It's really a daily process and really believing what he says when he says don't pay attention to all the outside noise. You have to actually try not to do it. I delete Twitter each week because I try to really embrace what he's saying and not really worry about what everyone else is saying.
Just a daily process of listening to what he's saying and then believing in it and asserting it to yourself.
On how Coach Cignetti said this group was his best at following through on his message…
ES: We have a great group of vets around, a great group of vets that have been there, done that, and we believe what he's saying. We understand what he's saying has been working. The vets have done a great job keeping us in the moment, keeping the young guys on their toes and everything.
It really hasn't been too hard. We understand our goal, and we understand how we're going to get to our goal, and it's just by doing what we've been doing, staying in the moment.
On if Miami's run defense is clicking and Indiana has to get pass reliant…
ES: I'm always comfortable when you got somebody like Fernando back there throwing you the ball. And of course I believe in myself and the guys in the receiving room with me.
So I'm always confident no matter who we're going against, no matter if it's Miami, no matter if it's Indiana State. So, very confident in my beliefs. It's going to be a challenge, of course. They're in the national championship for a reason, but I will always go into every game being confident.
On seeing the National Championship signage and staying calm and true to his system…
ES: Yeah, 100%, knowing this is my last couple of weeks here in this facility here in Bloomington playing with this team. When I'm home talking to my mom and dad and brothers, like dang, it's crazy how everything works out. Just to be here in this moment, yeah, it's definitely exciting.
I'm trying to be calm because I understand nothing really matters too much unless we win that game, but I definitely -- these last couple of weeks have been like, man, just playing in the big bowl games, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, all of that, it's been cool watching these games, watching legends play in these games, and for allowing me to make some plays and see my guys make some plays in these games has been exciting.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Below is a full transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Pat Coogan | OL | R-Sr.
On what he sees from Miami's defensive line and their overall defense…
PC: They are very physical, very violent. They are special players, especially on the outside, and it's not like their interior drops off at all, either. All across the board, really talented players. The physical attributes are there. They maximize their physical attributes.
They fly around and they're a fast, violent group that's coached really well and do their jobs well. It's going to be a huge challenge for us and one that we have to prepare for and be ready for.
On pulling from last year's experience in the National Championship Game…
PC: Yeah, I think it's been similar to what we have been talking about during this whole playoff run, just being where our feet are and maximizing each day and each opportunity.
Maximizing our practices, making sure we go out on the practice field and have the best day possible and really taking what we're learning in the meetings and putting it onto the field.
At the end of the day, it's another football game, right? The stage is big. The stage has been big the past couple of weeks.
The game is between the white lines. I think we have done a good job of having that headspace and having that mindset, never making it bigger than it is, and really just making sure we're putting in the work and putting in the prep so that when we get to game day we put our best foot forward.
On the six offensive linemen packages…
PC: Yeah, it's just a package that we have. The defense could sub in their heavier package in relation to that. So I'm always aware of it, definitely.
Sometimes they don't match, though. Oregon matched a few times and other times they didn't. First 11 personnel they went heavier which they never did during the season. They went 5-2. And then other times when we brought in that heavier package, they stayed in 4-2 base.
So you just always good to be aware of it, especially as a center, because the specific plays that are within that package consist of a specific mic ID, so you got to be aware of it for sure.
On his dive to recover Fernando Mendoza's fumble and if Coach Cignetti said anything about it…
PC: No, I haven't heard anything from him. There's always stuff to improve on. We actually did work on that. We did a drill early in fall camp at the end of practices just falling on fumbles and stuff. We've worked on it, believe it or not, but there's always room to improve.
On his fearless mindset to go after the loose ball…
PC: It's definitely a mindset that's been instilled in me from an early age, just way back when chasing after the ball. Because you really never know, right? Those abilities to hop on loose balls can really change the game and change the outcome of a game. They happen very so often but they're big moments. They're really big moments.
It's happened a few times to me in my career. Yeah, any one of us could have been in that position because any one of us runs after the ball and takes great pride in that. It just so happened that the ball bounced our way and bounced my way.
I was happy to be there for my quarterback because he's been there for me many times, escaped pressure, whatever it may be. He's had my back numerous, numerous times, so I was happy to have his for once.
On if this is the toughest line he has to face this season…
PC: Yeah, it's one of the best, but at the same time, we take great pride in protecting the quarterback no matter who we're playing. I think that's just an absolute key emphasis for us this week to protect the quarterback and obviously run the ball. That's part of who we are and our DNA.
But no matter who we're playing, we have to protect our quarterback. We have to protect the quarterback in every situation, every down. We know how special he can be and how good our offense can be when we give him the time to execute. No matter who we're playing, we need to protect the quarterback and it's the same message this week.
On how Coach Cignetti said this is the best team of his to stick to his message…
PC: Certainly I think he always says and it's true, it's a very veteran group. It's a mature group. It's a group that's been around the block, played a lot of football, and a group that knows how to take messages and put them on the field because of just how much football we've played, how much football a lot of guys have played together and sort of like that. So I think we have done a great job of, like he said, just taking that mindset and putting it into between the white lines.
It certainly starts with him and just a mindset that he implements within our program and even starting back in January, February, he's saying the same stuff he's saying before we walk out for the Peach Bowl, right? So the messages don't really change. I think that's why we see that success. It's ingrained in our minds.
On keeping his mind even keel and not letting the moment get too big…
PC: Yeah, I've learned from a lot of great veteran leadership at an early age, a lot of great coaches. This is my fifth year. I've played a lot of football. I've been around success. I've been around failure. I've been around everything in between. I've kind of just learned throughout the years of what really matters in the moment. Obviously how to win with class but also how to handle failure. So I think everything in between has molded me and my mindset.
And certainly, there's a great amount of joy after victories, and there's a great amount of -- just very proud of the group and stuff like that but I also understand and know how much more there is to get done because I have been in those shoes, and I think especially last year, that playoff experience helped me and kind of just shaped me and my mindset.
But at the end of the day, I've been around it all it feels like, so it's really just shaped me kind of into the guy I am today but also surely the player, right? And just how I handle everything: Success, failure, adversity and everything in between.
On how he is shutting out the noise…
PC: We understand that outside noise is exactly what it is, it's outside. It has no impact on our ability to go perform on the football field. It's not going to score us any touchdowns. It's not going to convert any third downs defensively. It's not going to stop any third downs or get us off the field.
That's exactly what it is. It's all clutter. It's all noise, it's all distraction and like I said, we have a very veteran group and a mature group, and certainly Coach Cig instills that mindset of eliminate all noise and clutter.
We really do. We try our best to. We're humans as well, so sometimes it gets difficult. But I believe we have done a great job of doing so and we need to continue to do so.
On if this weeks feels like a normal week unlike the difference in downtime between the previous Bowls…
PC: Yeah, it's great. We really are starting a normal week here. I think it's getting everyone back into the groove and normal preparation. Coach Cig and Coach DO have done a great job of implementing schedules that make sense and schedules that help us and maximize the hours within the building.
So I'm excited for the workweek. It's going to be a great week of prep. We just got to put in the work.
On if there is a previous National Championship Game that sticks out in his mind…
PC: That's a great question. Probably the one I remember vividly because I was in high school was 2019 LSU. That was a big year. And just the Alabama years, kind of growing up in the mid-2010s or whenever that was.
Besides that, it feels like it's all mixed together now. But, yeah, those couple times. Thanks, guys.
Aiden Fisher | LB | Sr.
On if he expected Coach Cignetti to stay at James Madison after the 2023 season…
AF: Yeah, after the last game, I don't think anybody really expected him to leave. And then we had some fans that were tracking flights in and out. So then once we saw it was Bloomington, we all looked up: What is Bloomington? I was with all my buddies at JMU, they all looked at me and were like, You're going to Indiana.
And it was just kind of a funny scenario. But I don't think anybody expected him to leave or come here, but sure glad he did.
On if he addressed the team…
AF: Yeah, he addressed the team in a team meeting before we started the bowl prep for the Armed Forces Bowl.
He initially planned on coaching us in that bowl game. Obviously that's not how business went down, and that was kind of it after that.
On if he was tracking flights…
AF: I was not tracking flights, no.
On the three linebacker setup…
AF: Yeah, we have a lot of sets, a lot of three-linebacker sets. We can show up internal. We can show up on the edge. We can have somebody play the rover spot, the hokie/stud spot. That helps us in certain situations, down in distance, things like that. But it makes our defense a lot more multiple, being able to blitz different guys, drop different guys. And Coach Haines, he doesn't care who drops, it's a 305-pound D-tackle or linebacker.
Being able to have those guys on the field, it helps our defense be a little more multiple, but it's also a big thing for the offense because you have no clue who's coming, who's not. It's huge to have those guys that built their confidence, they're playing the way they are right now. We're at a good spot with the three-linebacker setup.
On how Coach Cignetti changes habits of the guys he coaches…
AF: All the time. I was on the phone with my mom about two days ago. I don't even remember what we were talking about. I was just like, Yeah, I hope somebody doesn't get complacent. And I was like, Wow, I have been with Cig way too long. And she said, Yeah, I said the same thing the other day. She used the word "complacent."
It's funny when you've been with somebody for so long you start talking like them a little bit. Everything he talks about is true in football and in life, complacency kills. Everything about just the way he makes this football program makes you a better person too.
And I think my mom gets that when I'm texting her: No more talking about the last game, on to the next.
It's funny how long I have been with him and the things that rub off on me.
On if the team is aware about being considered one of the best teams in the last 15-20 years…
AF: Yeah, I'll save that question for after this next game. It won't mean really anything unless we walk away with a win in this game. I'm proud of where the team's at right now. I think we're playing well all together, and we got to put it on the field Monday night.
On how Coach Cignetti said this team has taken his messaging to heart more than any other team…
AF: We all know Cig's been in these positions before. He's played in big games. At the end of the day, players just want to win. Whatever he deems is the most important thing, we're going to follow that.
We have an older team of veteran leadership that has been in these big games. We have been in the situations that we're facing right now. So it's all about taking the past experiences and kind of moving forward with them.
And obviously Coach does a great job with that, but having the older guys we have, taking the message and relaying it to the younger guys, relaying it to the room, and our assistant coaches do a great job with it too.
It's just making sure we're all adapted to one message and that we're on the same page at all times.
On delayed gratification and how that applies to the season…
AF: The good thing is I think we built a couple of experiences off doing that. Last probably two months has been a lot of highs for us. And then there's been some lows in there too. But it's all about take it, enjoy it for the moment, and then move on.
I think, when you get in the postseason especially, that's how you have to live. We took the 24 hours after the Peach Bowl or the Rose Bowl to enjoy it, and you're on to the next thing.
I think that's why we keep moving forward. We're not satisfied with anything. We just want to earn more opportunities to play with each other, earn more opportunities to prove ourself as a team, as an individual. And that's how you be successful.
On keeping the chip on the shoulder despite all the success…
AF: Yeah, we know it won't mean anything unless we walk away with a win in this game. I don't think anybody is really paying attention to all this stuff that people are putting out there. We have a lot to clean up from that Oregon film, a lot of sloppy plays, especially in the second half as a defense and the one long drive they had before the half.
We know there's so much more room for improvement. All the things that you guys have pointed out, historical things, doesn't really mean anything to us right now. We're all focused on Miami. They're a great team that has a lot of weapons that are really good on the line, at least the offensive side.
We have a lot to deal with, a lot of handle. Everything else will take care of itself, and we just got to win this game.
On how the worse thing the team could do is make the game bigger than it is…
AF: Yeah, I think it's kind of two sides for me. It's a four-quarter football game. It's the same amount of time, you're playing it on grass. You're still in helmet, cleats, and pads. It's just football.
The other thing I told the linebackers yesterday is it's an opportunity that's rare. So I just kind of encouraged everybody to block everything out for one week. Just give me one week of everything they have and just prepare like it's your last game of the season. I just need everybody to kind of understand the opportunity we're having right now.
At the end of the day, we're going to prepare the same way we prepared for Old Dominion in week one, just because that's the way we're wired, the way we do things. And if not, it's a disservice to yourself, to your team.
So I think just making sure we're on top of everything, but knowing that this opportunity is rare, put your everything into it so you can walk off the field with no regrets and it's something that you'll hold with you for a very long time.
On the kinds of problems Miami presents…
AF: Yeah, they're really balanced on offense, great O-line, great running backs. Receivers are great. They have somebody who can break a game in No. 10 and a good quarterback who is an experienced veteran who has been doing this for a while now, and then a really good OC with a good scheme.
When you put all that together, you get an elite offense that's exactly who they've been throughout the playoffs, throughout the whole regular season. It's definitely a big challenge for us and something we're excited for.
It's about all limiting their explosive plays and stopping the run, first of all. They've had a lot of success running the ball, they have great running backs, a really good O-line. It's going to be on us as a D-line and linebackers and front seven to stop that first. Once the pass game gets going, they get dangerous too.
It's a lot to minimize for them, but great offense, and we're excited for the opportunity to match up against them.
On the way the team tends to start out strong…
AF: It's just the way it's played out. I have seen all the stuff about different things for our team. It's funny and kind of ridiculous to me, but we watch film, we study, we prepare.
A lot of people have put things out, but we just do a great job preparing. We have things that we can see within our preparation, and then we have the best D coordinator in college football. So when you match up those things, you get off to fast starts as a defense. Yeah.
Riley Nowakowski | TE | R-Sr.+
On Miami's defensive ends…
RN: They're fast, they're physical, and they're violent. It's kind of what they pride themselves on, just being a violent, physical team, and it shows on the film and at all three levels. The D-lines, you got those two edges, those are good players, you know?
So they play really violent, and then linebackers are filling gaps, and you even got guys on the third level, safeties, cornerbacks, coming down, sticking people. That's one of their greatest strengths, how violent and fast they play.
They're not worried about making mistakes. They know their brothers are going to have their back. They're all rallying to the ball, all chasing it. That's their biggest advantage, just how violent and how fast they play.
On if he was aware of Curt's viral moments and how aware he was of him before coming to IU…
RN: The Google me one had come across my Instagram feed, but honestly, in season, you're in your own little bubble so you don't see a whole lot going on outside. I was aware of the standings of Big Ten and how Indiana was doing, but I wasn't super aware of Coach Cignetti and what he was doing. They weren't on our schedule, so it was not in my mind at the time.
Once I got into the transfer portal, I started looking at college football as a whole. And as you do at the end of the season, you look at where everybody ended up and how everything shook out, and I was like, Oh, wow. That's special to turn that team around like that.
After our last game of the season, checking everything out, see who made the bowl game and all that stuff, That's when I figured that out.
On if it feels like the rhythm is back that was lost during Rose Bowl week…
RN: Yeah, it definitely feels like we're right back in it, which I personally appreciate that rhythm both mentally and physically that your body gets in of prepping and getting back in playing shape. I appreciate it a lot.
And Cig really values his rhythm too and being in our normal schedule. I think it's been really good, and we're trying our best this week to continue that normal schedule and just kind of keep it rolling. That's the best way to do it, approach every game kind of the same way.
On how Coach Cignetti instills the 'chip on the shoulder' mentality despite being the top team…
RN: First of all, he does it by example, right? He comes in every day at 4:00, 5:00 a.m., and is watching film until everybody has left the stadium. That's the first thing.
Every single time he talks to us, he's going to hammer on the point that nothing we got before is going to earn us anything in the future. Every single game has to be approached the exact same way.
I think just having that hammered into your head every single time you see him and hear him talk, eventually it gets the message across. When I saw you here, that's kind of all you think about.
I think it's just always reminding us and, honestly, personally, from his point of view, never getting complacent. Complacency is easy when you're winning games and doing well. It's just kind of him not getting complacent, and we always just attach onto that and ride with it.
On how Charlie Becker has emerged…
RN: Yeah, I think Charlie has always had the skill and the potential. I watched him through spring ball and fall camp, and I thought this guy is a phenomenal receiver. And obviously we had a loaded receivers room at the beginning of the year with Coop, E.J., and E.
So we started off with them, and I think E.J. got a little banged up one game, and so Charlie came in. I think Charlie always had that potential, but it was an older room that was in front of him. He got that opportunity and made the most of it.
If you asked anybody on the team, before he started getting as much attention and as much time as he's got, if he was able to do that stuff, I think everybody in the locker room would be fully confident that he had that skill. But it was just a matter of showing the rest of the world.
We got a lot of guys on our team that are like that. It's a very next-man-up mentality, and we don't feel like there's a lot of drop-off when we go to that next man. Charlie has that star potential. It just goes to show he had that opportunity and seized it.
On filtering out the promos and all the talk around the National Championship Game…
RN: Yeah, me personally, I switch the TV off. I don't watch a lot of TV during the week. Even in the training rooms, we have TVs in the training rooms on, just normal stuff, sports stuff. ESPN was talking about the national championship, and I just went over to the monitor and turned it off. We don't need to hear this.
We try to eliminate all that, whether it's good or bad. We don't need to hear the talk about us. I think that's the messaging throughout the team. You don't need to be going on social media, searching up your name or checking out what they have to say.
It's probably a little better stuff now than maybe at the beginning of the season. People may have a little more belief. But either way, good or bad, it doesn't help us out much. Everybody can say whatever they want about us.
It's not going to help us win a game. We have to tune that stuff out, and I think the whole team is in on that.
On training your mind to be level-headed even after all the big wins…
RN: Me personally, that's how I was raised. My parents told me never get too high, never get too low. That's something I have carried with me my whole life.
Cig brings in people who are like-minded in that way. He's not going to bring in a lot of big, flashy guys. He's big on character when he chooses who he wants here. That helps out a lot. If you have a big group of guys, all of good character and have a similar mindset, it kind of pulls some guys along that might not fully be there yet.
I think that's how he helps lead the team in that way. He brings in guys that collectively bring everybody along with him. I think that's part of it. They talk about our age a lot recently. I think that's part of one of the advantages that we have in our age, just a little bit more experience, a little bit more knowledge that winning a big game is exciting and great, but winning a big game just gives you an opportunity for another one so you have to refocus and get with that.
Hopefully the older guys are able to impart a little knowledge on the guys who haven't been there before. Hopefully that helps us out.
On reflecting on his collegiate career…
RN: Yeah, it's what I dreamed about when I started all that. It's definitely -- it's kind of like a dream come true. I thought -- I always believed in myself that I had the ability to do this, but to see it all play out, I got to thank the man upstairs. You can't do it yourself. You can't do any of this yourself.
I have been lucky to have a good set of circumstances where I was not only able to get an opportunity to be on a scholarship but then able to play for a really good team here and compete for a national championship. It's just a lot of opportunities that you get. It's something special. It's a really cool thing to be part of.
I haven't really fully reflected on it yet. I'm kind of focused on this next game, but hopefully after this next game I will have a second to sit down and think about that.
On the fun in the dominating wins…
RN: Yeah, definitely. Shoot, for me, every day football is fun. It's definitely a businesslike approach and you have to be intentional about everything you're doing. You have to be on top of your stuff.
But the day football isn't fun for me, I'm not going to play anymore. I love this sport. I enjoy it a lot. And I think that's a great balance you have to strike, enjoying yourself and having fun with the sport while also being able to approach it like it's a little bit of your job.
I think there's definitely every moment, every time we step out on that field, I'm having fun, I'm enjoying it, but it's that mentality that this is serious work and needs a lot of focus and attention.
On how fun it is to play on a team with no true superstar and many elite players…
RN: Shoot, it makes my life easier, and I like to say all the time, so much skill on offense, so many great players on defense, it really does make everybody's job easier. We have six different guys scored touchdowns last game.
That's special. Having six guys score touchdowns in the semifinals is insane. It speaks to the depth that we have across the board.
It helps out all our receivers because you can't solo one guy out. We have two running backs that are both phenomenal. One guy gets tired, put the next guy in. There's no drop-off. I think that's critical to how successful our team has been.
Obviously, you have the defense, too. You have guys all over the place making plays. And we have had some guys go down, but next guy steps up and he's making plays too.
Daniel Ndukwe had two sacks and a blocked punt. That's huge. That's a guy that hasn't played much this season, but he comes in and he's played in the Rose Bowl and now the Peach Bowl, and he's had a big impact in those games.
It's huge. All the talent we have all around, it's a joy to be part of. It makes my job easier. You don't have to fight and scratch as much. It opens things up. I'm happy to be part of it.
Elijah Sarratt | WR | Sr.
On Miami's approach and the way they attack receivers in his position…
ES: Yeah, from what we've talked about, what I've seen, they're mostly zone on the year, cover four, cover two. But they do run man a lot. I'll say that's the second coverage, cover one, like a lot of one-high safeties most of the time. It's changed up between them. But so far, it's either cover four, two, or one. Coach Hetherman, my brother, actually, knew him, played with him at JMU, speaks highly of him. It's going to be a challenge. He's been having those boys fly around. I'm sure it will mix a couple coverages up. It will be a good one.
On what was going on at James Madison when the word got out that Curt Cignetti was going to Indiana…
ES: Yeah, towards the end of the year, there were rumors on Twitter and stuff and everyone was talking about he was taking calls and everything, and people were tracking his flight. They tracked his flight all the way to Bloomington. And that next day or something we were about to have a team meeting, and it was announced on Twitter.
And he came in and basically told us: I got to take this job at Indiana. It's what's best for me.
It went from there. Before that, yeah, people were tracking his flights, rumors on Twitter and stuff. So it was crazy.
On how the team gets amped for the games…
ES: Big music guy. I try not to be locked in all day, so in the morning I'm just chilling. Rod Wave is the first one I turn on because he's a chill rapper, not too hype. And then I throw on some gospel just to keep me calm, thank the lord and everything.
But as it gets closer to the game -- I have this playlist that I've had. Right when we get to the stadium and I go out for my own pre-game warmup, that's when I turn it on. And from there it's just locking in and just embracing the moment. I take a couple deep breaths when I'm on the field, look at the stadium, embrace the moment. And from there, I'm just ready to go.
On what is on the playlist…
ES: Always the same playlist. I add and take stuff out of it if I'm listening to it or not listening to it. But, yeah, it's the same playlist.
On when he became a jump ball widout…
ES: Yeah, for real, for real, I have always been pretty good at jump ball since I have been in high school. I just naturally have been good at it and been able to adjust my body and stuff. Just blessed with that ability.
Hands-wise, really just the amount of catches I catch a day and the amount of work I put in, really. That's all it is. After practice, I'm getting catches in. I don't really do too much like strengthening hand stuff and all that, but just catch footballs. That's really it.
On his extra work throughout practice…
ES: I always get at least 100 after practice. And then in between practice, I don't really count. But if I'm just sitting around while we're in special teams or something, I go with the quarterbacks and catch some passes. Just try to accumulate as much as I can.
On where him and Fernando Mendoza adopted some NFL concepts in back shoulder throws…
ES: It was Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, to be specific. Since I've been watching Davante Adams and since he's been with Aaron Rodgers, he's done a great job of getting the release off the ball, and then around 12, 14 yards, Aaron Rodgers just throwing a laser and just falls out and it drops in the bucket.
I tend to win off the line more times than not, so I felt like I had a good chance of it. Now, I know, like, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, that's a whole 'nother level that I someday pray I can reach to.
But Fernando, he was with it on that, same day after practice, we got a couple reps in, just trying to work it, be similar with how they were looking with it, and just went from there. And then just communication after that. I try not to be picky, I just try to tell him let me get my hands on it, and he does a great job putting it on the money, and we just go from there.
On treating this game like every other week…
ES: Really just like you said, keeping things the same, eliminating the clutter and keeping things in the locker room. There's going to be a lot of talk on social media about how big the game is, how big the moment is. We're treating it like any other game. That's what you have to do. You don't want to make the moment bigger than it is.
We understand it's the national championship and a lot of people are going to be watching, but we're going to treat this practice week the same. Go in, work every single day leading up to that game.
On his conversation with Coach Cignetti about transferring to Indiana…
ES: Same thing like he always is, walked in the office, feet kicked up, chilling, How do you like it here? We're chopping it up. He's asking me what other visits I went to. I told him, and he didn't really like that answer and he was just like, This is the place for you. You know I'm going to take care of you. You know I'm going to get you the ball. You're cool. You know the strength staff and everybody.
That's kind of all I needed to hear. He told me about Curt, how good Curt is, how good he thinks he is, which Curt lived up to that and more. After shaking his hand and stuff, I knew it was the best fit for me, the comfortability and familiarity and everything.
On eliminating noise and clutter…
ES:: It's really a daily process and really believing what he says when he says don't pay attention to all the outside noise. You have to actually try not to do it. I delete Twitter each week because I try to really embrace what he's saying and not really worry about what everyone else is saying.
Just a daily process of listening to what he's saying and then believing in it and asserting it to yourself.
On how Coach Cignetti said this group was his best at following through on his message…
ES: We have a great group of vets around, a great group of vets that have been there, done that, and we believe what he's saying. We understand what he's saying has been working. The vets have done a great job keeping us in the moment, keeping the young guys on their toes and everything.
It really hasn't been too hard. We understand our goal, and we understand how we're going to get to our goal, and it's just by doing what we've been doing, staying in the moment.
On if Miami's run defense is clicking and Indiana has to get pass reliant…
ES: I'm always comfortable when you got somebody like Fernando back there throwing you the ball. And of course I believe in myself and the guys in the receiving room with me.
So I'm always confident no matter who we're going against, no matter if it's Miami, no matter if it's Indiana State. So, very confident in my beliefs. It's going to be a challenge, of course. They're in the national championship for a reason, but I will always go into every game being confident.
On seeing the National Championship signage and staying calm and true to his system…
ES: Yeah, 100%, knowing this is my last couple of weeks here in this facility here in Bloomington playing with this team. When I'm home talking to my mom and dad and brothers, like dang, it's crazy how everything works out. Just to be here in this moment, yeah, it's definitely exciting.
I'm trying to be calm because I understand nothing really matters too much unless we win that game, but I definitely -- these last couple of weeks have been like, man, just playing in the big bowl games, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, all of that, it's been cool watching these games, watching legends play in these games, and for allowing me to make some plays and see my guys make some plays in these games has been exciting.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
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/ FootballFB: CFP National Championship Game - Student-Athlete Press Conference
Tuesday, January 13
FB: Curt Cignetti Media Availability (1/12/26)
Monday, January 12
FB: Aiden Fisher Media Availability (1/6/26)
Tuesday, January 06
FB: Rolijah Hardy Media Availability (1/6/26)
Tuesday, January 06