Step aside Phoenix – because Arizona has a new boomtown.
Buckeye has just been ranked America’s fastest-growing city. Located 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix, it is outpacing its bigger and better-known neighbor.
Buckeye’s population grew by 46 per cent over five years to hit 108,900 people in 2023, an analysis of Census Bureau data by SmartAsset shows.
That’s still far short of Phoenix’s 1.65 million people, but Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn says his up-and-comer has more space to grow and ‘will be bigger’ in the end.
SmartAsset found that most of the country’s fastest-growing spots were suburbs or exurbs of bigger cities across the Sun Belt.
The sprawling suburbs of Buckeye, Arizona, are giving nearby Phoenix a run for its money
They included Atascocita, Texas, Lehi, Utah, Goodyear, Arizona, and Riverview, Florida.
‘These high-growth cities are driving change, innovation, and opportunity,’ researchers said.
Buckeye started out as a small, quiet farming community in the 1870s but has seen rapid growth in recent years and is expected to grow to 300,000 people by 2040.
Houses and highways are under construction and businesses are moving in.
This month, Tract announced plans for a $20 billion data center park in Buckeye. Last month, Rehrig Pacific celebrated the opening of a 264,000-square-foot manufacturing facility there.
Other developments include a Costco, Abrazo Community Health Network and Banner Health hospitals, and a KORE Power lithium-ion battery plant that will bring some 3,000 jobs to the area.
Local planning chief Ken Galica has talked up an ‘exhilarating’ retail, business, and housing area called The Landing in northeast Buckeye.
‘Buckeye had a reputation for being a sleepy suburban town which was true for a long time, but it’s not what we see ourselves being in the future,’ Galica told 12News.
‘We want to give all of our residents what they’re looking for or even prospective residents a reason to move here.’
A new, master-planned residential community in Buckeye, Arizona
A contractor frames a house under construction in Lehi, Utah, to the south of Salt Lake City
Realtor Samantha Sloane says Buckeye residents enjoy having bigger homes, a laid-back lifestyle, and great quality schools.
But she adds that summers can be unbearably hot, traffic can be painful, and many people have to commute for work in Phoenix.
Buckeye locals say they appreciate the easy access to hiking trails and several golf courses.
Though people are moving to Buckeye in large numbers, they do not appear to be getting the best deals in the country.
The cost of living and the median house price listing — $441,000 — are both close to the national average.
Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, ranked as America’s second-fastest growing city. It grew by 39 percent over five years to hit 119,502 people in 2023.
Meritage Homes and Ashlar Development are among the construction firms building out the sprawling suburbs there.
Lehi, located some 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, comes next. It grew by 37 percent over five years to hit 90,229 people in 2023.
Researchers also identified the cities that posted the biggest population gains in 2023.
A row of single family town homes in fast-growing Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, Texas
Silver Springs, a suburb of Washington DC, in Maryland, recorded the biggest gains of nearly 13 percent to reach 84,996 people.
New Braunfels, Texas, and Glen Burnie, Maryland, also recorded similarly large growth spurts last year.
The boomtowns reflect a pattern across America, which sees people opting for lower taxes, and cheaper, bigger homes in the Sun Belt.
Last year, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina were the most popular destinations for domestic migrants. Together, they saw a net gain of some 366,000 people.
Meanwhile, residents waved goodbye to California, New York, and Illinois in droves.
Those states recorded the biggest exodus, which added up to a whopping loss of 540,000 people.
Americans mostly relocate for better jobs, affordable housing, cheaper living costs, and to cut their tax bills.
Some move away from high crimes areas, homelessness, and the sight of drug addicts stumbling on the sidewalk.
Step aside Phoenix – because Arizona has a new boomtown.
Buckeye has just been ranked America’s fastest-growing city. Located 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix, it is outpacing its bigger and better-known neighbor.
Buckeye’s population grew by 46 per cent over five years to hit 108,900 people in 2023, an analysis of Census Bureau data by SmartAsset shows.
That’s still far short of Phoenix’s 1.65 million people, but Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn says his up-and-comer has more space to grow and ‘will be bigger’ in the end.
SmartAsset found that most of the country’s fastest-growing spots were suburbs or exurbs of bigger cities across the Sun Belt.
The sprawling suburbs of Buckeye, Arizona, are giving nearby Phoenix a run for its money
They included Atascocita, Texas, Lehi, Utah, Goodyear, Arizona, and Riverview, Florida.
‘These high-growth cities are driving change, innovation, and opportunity,’ researchers said.
Buckeye started out as a small, quiet farming community in the 1870s but has seen rapid growth in recent years and is expected to grow to 300,000 people by 2040.
Houses and highways are under construction and businesses are moving in.
This month, Tract announced plans for a $20 billion data center park in Buckeye. Last month, Rehrig Pacific celebrated the opening of a 264,000-square-foot manufacturing facility there.
Other developments include a Costco, Abrazo Community Health Network and Banner Health hospitals, and a KORE Power lithium-ion battery plant that will bring some 3,000 jobs to the area.
Local planning chief Ken Galica has talked up an ‘exhilarating’ retail, business, and housing area called The Landing in northeast Buckeye.
‘Buckeye had a reputation for being a sleepy suburban town which was true for a long time, but it’s not what we see ourselves being in the future,’ Galica told 12News.
‘We want to give all of our residents what they’re looking for or even prospective residents a reason to move here.’
A new, master-planned residential community in Buckeye, Arizona
A contractor frames a house under construction in Lehi, Utah, to the south of Salt Lake City
Realtor Samantha Sloane says Buckeye residents enjoy having bigger homes, a laid-back lifestyle, and great quality schools.
But she adds that summers can be unbearably hot, traffic can be painful, and many people have to commute for work in Phoenix.
Buckeye locals say they appreciate the easy access to hiking trails and several golf courses.
Though people are moving to Buckeye in large numbers, they do not appear to be getting the best deals in the country.
The cost of living and the median house price listing — $441,000 — are both close to the national average.
Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, ranked as America’s second-fastest growing city. It grew by 39 percent over five years to hit 119,502 people in 2023.
Meritage Homes and Ashlar Development are among the construction firms building out the sprawling suburbs there.
Lehi, located some 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, comes next. It grew by 37 percent over five years to hit 90,229 people in 2023.
Researchers also identified the cities that posted the biggest population gains in 2023.
A row of single family town homes in fast-growing Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, Texas
Silver Springs, a suburb of Washington DC, in Maryland, recorded the biggest gains of nearly 13 percent to reach 84,996 people.
New Braunfels, Texas, and Glen Burnie, Maryland, also recorded similarly large growth spurts last year.
The boomtowns reflect a pattern across America, which sees people opting for lower taxes, and cheaper, bigger homes in the Sun Belt.
Last year, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina were the most popular destinations for domestic migrants. Together, they saw a net gain of some 366,000 people.
Meanwhile, residents waved goodbye to California, New York, and Illinois in droves.
Those states recorded the biggest exodus, which added up to a whopping loss of 540,000 people.
Americans mostly relocate for better jobs, affordable housing, cheaper living costs, and to cut their tax bills.
Some move away from high crimes areas, homelessness, and the sight of drug addicts stumbling on the sidewalk.
Step aside Phoenix – because Arizona has a new boomtown.
Buckeye has just been ranked America’s fastest-growing city. Located 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix, it is outpacing its bigger and better-known neighbor.
Buckeye’s population grew by 46 per cent over five years to hit 108,900 people in 2023, an analysis of Census Bureau data by SmartAsset shows.
That’s still far short of Phoenix’s 1.65 million people, but Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn says his up-and-comer has more space to grow and ‘will be bigger’ in the end.
SmartAsset found that most of the country’s fastest-growing spots were suburbs or exurbs of bigger cities across the Sun Belt.
The sprawling suburbs of Buckeye, Arizona, are giving nearby Phoenix a run for its money
They included Atascocita, Texas, Lehi, Utah, Goodyear, Arizona, and Riverview, Florida.
‘These high-growth cities are driving change, innovation, and opportunity,’ researchers said.
Buckeye started out as a small, quiet farming community in the 1870s but has seen rapid growth in recent years and is expected to grow to 300,000 people by 2040.
Houses and highways are under construction and businesses are moving in.
This month, Tract announced plans for a $20 billion data center park in Buckeye. Last month, Rehrig Pacific celebrated the opening of a 264,000-square-foot manufacturing facility there.
Other developments include a Costco, Abrazo Community Health Network and Banner Health hospitals, and a KORE Power lithium-ion battery plant that will bring some 3,000 jobs to the area.
Local planning chief Ken Galica has talked up an ‘exhilarating’ retail, business, and housing area called The Landing in northeast Buckeye.
‘Buckeye had a reputation for being a sleepy suburban town which was true for a long time, but it’s not what we see ourselves being in the future,’ Galica told 12News.
‘We want to give all of our residents what they’re looking for or even prospective residents a reason to move here.’
A new, master-planned residential community in Buckeye, Arizona
A contractor frames a house under construction in Lehi, Utah, to the south of Salt Lake City
Realtor Samantha Sloane says Buckeye residents enjoy having bigger homes, a laid-back lifestyle, and great quality schools.
But she adds that summers can be unbearably hot, traffic can be painful, and many people have to commute for work in Phoenix.
Buckeye locals say they appreciate the easy access to hiking trails and several golf courses.
Though people are moving to Buckeye in large numbers, they do not appear to be getting the best deals in the country.
The cost of living and the median house price listing — $441,000 — are both close to the national average.
Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, ranked as America’s second-fastest growing city. It grew by 39 percent over five years to hit 119,502 people in 2023.
Meritage Homes and Ashlar Development are among the construction firms building out the sprawling suburbs there.
Lehi, located some 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, comes next. It grew by 37 percent over five years to hit 90,229 people in 2023.
Researchers also identified the cities that posted the biggest population gains in 2023.
A row of single family town homes in fast-growing Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, Texas
Silver Springs, a suburb of Washington DC, in Maryland, recorded the biggest gains of nearly 13 percent to reach 84,996 people.
New Braunfels, Texas, and Glen Burnie, Maryland, also recorded similarly large growth spurts last year.
The boomtowns reflect a pattern across America, which sees people opting for lower taxes, and cheaper, bigger homes in the Sun Belt.
Last year, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina were the most popular destinations for domestic migrants. Together, they saw a net gain of some 366,000 people.
Meanwhile, residents waved goodbye to California, New York, and Illinois in droves.
Those states recorded the biggest exodus, which added up to a whopping loss of 540,000 people.
Americans mostly relocate for better jobs, affordable housing, cheaper living costs, and to cut their tax bills.
Some move away from high crimes areas, homelessness, and the sight of drug addicts stumbling on the sidewalk.
Step aside Phoenix – because Arizona has a new boomtown.
Buckeye has just been ranked America’s fastest-growing city. Located 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix, it is outpacing its bigger and better-known neighbor.
Buckeye’s population grew by 46 per cent over five years to hit 108,900 people in 2023, an analysis of Census Bureau data by SmartAsset shows.
That’s still far short of Phoenix’s 1.65 million people, but Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn says his up-and-comer has more space to grow and ‘will be bigger’ in the end.
SmartAsset found that most of the country’s fastest-growing spots were suburbs or exurbs of bigger cities across the Sun Belt.
The sprawling suburbs of Buckeye, Arizona, are giving nearby Phoenix a run for its money
They included Atascocita, Texas, Lehi, Utah, Goodyear, Arizona, and Riverview, Florida.
‘These high-growth cities are driving change, innovation, and opportunity,’ researchers said.
Buckeye started out as a small, quiet farming community in the 1870s but has seen rapid growth in recent years and is expected to grow to 300,000 people by 2040.
Houses and highways are under construction and businesses are moving in.
This month, Tract announced plans for a $20 billion data center park in Buckeye. Last month, Rehrig Pacific celebrated the opening of a 264,000-square-foot manufacturing facility there.
Other developments include a Costco, Abrazo Community Health Network and Banner Health hospitals, and a KORE Power lithium-ion battery plant that will bring some 3,000 jobs to the area.
Local planning chief Ken Galica has talked up an ‘exhilarating’ retail, business, and housing area called The Landing in northeast Buckeye.
‘Buckeye had a reputation for being a sleepy suburban town which was true for a long time, but it’s not what we see ourselves being in the future,’ Galica told 12News.
‘We want to give all of our residents what they’re looking for or even prospective residents a reason to move here.’
A new, master-planned residential community in Buckeye, Arizona
A contractor frames a house under construction in Lehi, Utah, to the south of Salt Lake City
Realtor Samantha Sloane says Buckeye residents enjoy having bigger homes, a laid-back lifestyle, and great quality schools.
But she adds that summers can be unbearably hot, traffic can be painful, and many people have to commute for work in Phoenix.
Buckeye locals say they appreciate the easy access to hiking trails and several golf courses.
Though people are moving to Buckeye in large numbers, they do not appear to be getting the best deals in the country.
The cost of living and the median house price listing — $441,000 — are both close to the national average.
Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, ranked as America’s second-fastest growing city. It grew by 39 percent over five years to hit 119,502 people in 2023.
Meritage Homes and Ashlar Development are among the construction firms building out the sprawling suburbs there.
Lehi, located some 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, comes next. It grew by 37 percent over five years to hit 90,229 people in 2023.
Researchers also identified the cities that posted the biggest population gains in 2023.
A row of single family town homes in fast-growing Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, Texas
Silver Springs, a suburb of Washington DC, in Maryland, recorded the biggest gains of nearly 13 percent to reach 84,996 people.
New Braunfels, Texas, and Glen Burnie, Maryland, also recorded similarly large growth spurts last year.
The boomtowns reflect a pattern across America, which sees people opting for lower taxes, and cheaper, bigger homes in the Sun Belt.
Last year, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina were the most popular destinations for domestic migrants. Together, they saw a net gain of some 366,000 people.
Meanwhile, residents waved goodbye to California, New York, and Illinois in droves.
Those states recorded the biggest exodus, which added up to a whopping loss of 540,000 people.
Americans mostly relocate for better jobs, affordable housing, cheaper living costs, and to cut their tax bills.
Some move away from high crimes areas, homelessness, and the sight of drug addicts stumbling on the sidewalk.
Step aside Phoenix – because Arizona has a new boomtown.
Buckeye has just been ranked America’s fastest-growing city. Located 30 miles west of downtown Phoenix, it is outpacing its bigger and better-known neighbor.
Buckeye’s population grew by 46 per cent over five years to hit 108,900 people in 2023, an analysis of Census Bureau data by SmartAsset shows.
That’s still far short of Phoenix’s 1.65 million people, but Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn says his up-and-comer has more space to grow and ‘will be bigger’ in the end.
SmartAsset found that most of the country’s fastest-growing spots were suburbs or exurbs of bigger cities across the Sun Belt.
The sprawling suburbs of Buckeye, Arizona, are giving nearby Phoenix a run for its money
They included Atascocita, Texas, Lehi, Utah, Goodyear, Arizona, and Riverview, Florida.
‘These high-growth cities are driving change, innovation, and opportunity,’ researchers said.
Buckeye started out as a small, quiet farming community in the 1870s but has seen rapid growth in recent years and is expected to grow to 300,000 people by 2040.
Houses and highways are under construction and businesses are moving in.
This month, Tract announced plans for a $20 billion data center park in Buckeye. Last month, Rehrig Pacific celebrated the opening of a 264,000-square-foot manufacturing facility there.
Other developments include a Costco, Abrazo Community Health Network and Banner Health hospitals, and a KORE Power lithium-ion battery plant that will bring some 3,000 jobs to the area.
Local planning chief Ken Galica has talked up an ‘exhilarating’ retail, business, and housing area called The Landing in northeast Buckeye.
‘Buckeye had a reputation for being a sleepy suburban town which was true for a long time, but it’s not what we see ourselves being in the future,’ Galica told 12News.
‘We want to give all of our residents what they’re looking for or even prospective residents a reason to move here.’
A new, master-planned residential community in Buckeye, Arizona
A contractor frames a house under construction in Lehi, Utah, to the south of Salt Lake City
Realtor Samantha Sloane says Buckeye residents enjoy having bigger homes, a laid-back lifestyle, and great quality schools.
But she adds that summers can be unbearably hot, traffic can be painful, and many people have to commute for work in Phoenix.
Buckeye locals say they appreciate the easy access to hiking trails and several golf courses.
Though people are moving to Buckeye in large numbers, they do not appear to be getting the best deals in the country.
The cost of living and the median house price listing — $441,000 — are both close to the national average.
Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, ranked as America’s second-fastest growing city. It grew by 39 percent over five years to hit 119,502 people in 2023.
Meritage Homes and Ashlar Development are among the construction firms building out the sprawling suburbs there.
Lehi, located some 30 miles south of Salt Lake City, comes next. It grew by 37 percent over five years to hit 90,229 people in 2023.
Researchers also identified the cities that posted the biggest population gains in 2023.
A row of single family town homes in fast-growing Atascocita, a suburb of Houston, Texas
Silver Springs, a suburb of Washington DC, in Maryland, recorded the biggest gains of nearly 13 percent to reach 84,996 people.
New Braunfels, Texas, and Glen Burnie, Maryland, also recorded similarly large growth spurts last year.
The boomtowns reflect a pattern across America, which sees people opting for lower taxes, and cheaper, bigger homes in the Sun Belt.
Last year, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina were the most popular destinations for domestic migrants. Together, they saw a net gain of some 366,000 people.
Meanwhile, residents waved goodbye to California, New York, and Illinois in droves.
Those states recorded the biggest exodus, which added up to a whopping loss of 540,000 people.
Americans mostly relocate for better jobs, affordable housing, cheaper living costs, and to cut their tax bills.
Some move away from high crimes areas, homelessness, and the sight of drug addicts stumbling on the sidewalk.
Chef Vikas Khanna’s New York restaurant, Bungalow, has become a must-visit spot for eminent personalities travelling to the city. From Shah Rukh Khan, Boman Irani, and Aamir Khan to Jenna Fischer, Bungalow has been constantly hitting the headlines for all good reasons. And, this time Hollywood icon Sarah Jessica Parker paid a visit to the restaurant. Amazing right? The acclaimed chef shared a video on Instagram featuring the actress and television producer. In the clip, Sarah was learning the making of Rajnigandha incense along with Vikas, and her facial expressions proved her enthusiasm for the culinary fusion at the restaurant. She then enjoyed exploring the artistic offerings of the restaurant.
Also Read: Boman Irani’s Wife “Prefers” This Fruit When There’s No Indian Food While Travelling
Sarah Jessica Parker also paid her respect to Vikas Khanna’s sister, Radhika Khanna, who passed away due to multiple organ failure in 2022 at 48. Following the incense-making session, she hugged the chef, revealing her grateful experience there. “The Quintessential NEW YORKER. Sarah Jessica Parker. Rajnigandha + Incenses + Light + Cuisine + Culture,” read the caption.
Watch Sarah Jessica Parker’s post below:
A couple of days ago, Aamir Khan was spotted making sweet Sheermal at Chef Vikas Khanna’s Bungalow. It was a delightful moment when Vikas hosted a reception for the Oscar-nominated film Lost Ladies (Laapataa Ladies) at his New York restaurant, and the “perfectionist” of Bollywood participated in a Sheermal making competition with a ‘Bungalow’ member, Mysha Rizvi. For those who don’t know, Sheermal is a traditional flatbread infused with the distinctive flavour of saffron, crafted from a blend of flour, ghee, salt, and sugar. Chef Khanna posted glimpses from the evening captured in a video on his Instagram handle, where the actor can be seen rolling the dough to prepare the dish with utmost perfection. Aamir’s joy during the competition was palpable, even though he lost to Mysha. Sharing the clip, Vikas wrote, “Today we had the most amazing competition of making “BEST SHEERMAL” between Aamir Khan & Mysha Rizvi. They both did an incredible job, and finally, Mysha won.” Read on to know more.
Also Read: Watch: Jamie Lever’s Funny Video Will Remind You Of That Friend Always Asking For Diet Tips
The celebrities’ fun-filled time at Vikas Khanna’s restaurant made it a bucket-list-worthy spot when in NYC.
Hurricane Katrina forced many New Orleanians westward to Texas, taking their talents and culture across the Sabine River.
Few probably know that, this year, we’ve experienced an exodus of football talent—much to the delight of a small Historically Black College in Northeast Texas.
Founded in 1864, Texas College, with a current enrollment of 600, has had its share of gridiron success. It was a founding member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in 1920, years before Southern or Grambling joined the conference.
However, recent years haven’t been kind to the Steers from Tyler, Texas. The 2023 season ended with a disappointing 1 win and 9 losses.
Enter Texas College assistant coach Nathaniel Jones, a New Orleans native and football veteran with deep knowledge of local talent. He went to work to turn things around.
The 2024 edition of the Texas College Steers has quickly flipped the script, thanks in part to the addition of 11 freshmen from 10 New Orleans high schools and one from Tangipahoa Parish.
After last Saturday’s 28-7 victory over Sooner Athletic Conference rival Nelson (TX), the NAIA school finished the season with an impressive 8-3 record. The infusion of Crescent City talent is one reason why.
“Everyone that came in wanted to change the culture and turn this thing around,” said Terrill “TJ” Franklin, a defensive back from St. Augustine High School. “We are a different breed; we are hungry, and we like to work.”
Franklin, a psychology major, had 3 interceptions this season, including a 75-yard pick-six in the regular season finale against Nelson.
Coach Jones, who previously served as head football coach at both his alma mater, Edna Karr High School, and St. Augustine High School, knows the area well. He also knows how to sell the small-school experience to a generation that often values large schools and constant media coverage.
“I tell them we’re in the transfer portal era,” Jones explained. “You can come here, make plays, and if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll help you. I’ll be honest—if I think you should move on, I’ll support you. But some kids get lost in the portal. It’s like Neverland.”
Greg Donaldson, a former quarterback at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, admits he’d never heard of Texas College until Coach Jones approached him. He wasn’t happy when he arrived and was told he’d be playing wide receiver.
But Donaldson has successfully made the switch. In 11 games, he has caught 18 passes for 343 yards and 8 touchdowns—averaging a remarkable 19 yards per reception.
“Quarterback was what I loved to do, but I had to do what was best to help the team,” Donaldson said. “I already knew the plays, so the switch was easy. I just had to transfer my quarterback skills to receiver. I worked on a few additional skill sets to be successful.”
Donaldson is joined by three fellow Easton Eagles: Quarterback Kendrick Connelly, who has completed 90 of 173 passes for 1,374 yards and 13 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions; and special teams contributors Logan Evans and Christopher Isidore.
There are also two former Livingston Collegiate Wolves, Walander Craig and Leonard Bermudez, along with Charon Burton, a defensive end from Booker T. Washington; linebacker Troy Williams from De La Salle; defensive back Joshua Amacker from John F. Kennedy; and wide receiver Kevante Carter from Kentwood, Louisiana.
Coach Jones says the contributions of the New Orleanians go beyond their on-field talent.
“Because of the competition level in New Orleans, these kids are accustomed to competing at a high level, and that helps them when they reach the next level. They’re tough, confident, and hardworking.”
Jones continued, “They’ve come in with the mentality that they are here, and they’re supposed to be here to change the mentality—not just in games but in practice. Their teammates see it and feel it.”
An infusion of New Orleans football talent is nothing new. Former Tulane head coach and New Orleans Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson often recruited from the Crescent City during his time as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.
When Johnson recruited Marshall Faulk to San Diego State, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was joined by a host of other New Orleanians. Johnson repeated the feat at the University of Miami, where he recruited the likes of Ed Reed, Reggie Wayne, and others.
“You’ve got to give credit to the New Orleans high school coaches,” Johnson said. “Jerry Phillips (Easton), Brice Brown (Karr), Lynaris Elpheage (Kennedy)—I rely on what they tell me about kids, and they’re always honest.”
Perhaps the reason for all this talent lies in the environment.
“There’s just something in that bayou water,” Jones concludes.
The 2024 Indiana football team, despite an unblemished 10-0 record—their first ever in school history—is still viewed by some as a modern-day version of the 1986 basketball movie Hoosiers, in which actor Gene Hackman portrayed a basketball coach leading a determined group of players to the Indiana prep state title. The 2024 football Hoosiers, however, are led by first-year coach Curt Cignetti, whose ambitions are set even higher.
With #2-ranked Ohio State set to host #5 Indiana this weekend, it marks the first time in Hoosier football history that the team finds itself in a top-5 matchup. The last time Indiana reached such elevated rankings was in 1967, when they achieved a #4 ranking. Many prognosticators underestimated Indiana in the preseason, placing them between 51st and 70th nationally.
Mark Deal, a 2013 Indiana State Hall of Fame inductee, serves as the Associate Athletic Director for Alumni Relations at Indiana University. He played (1975–78) and later coached the Hoosiers as an assistant. Deal attends daily practices, offering a former coach’s perspective, and has observed subtle reminders of the quiet inner confidence this team maintains.
“It’s a veteran group, 5th- and 6th-year seniors,” the former Hoosier center explained. “We were picked 17th in the Big Ten (out of 18). Players saw that. It was brought up during media day.”
Deal views Curt Cignetti, the 63-year-old head coach, as the right man for the job. Cignetti, who was named 2023 Sun Belt Coach of the Year at James Madison after compiling a 52-9 record (85.2%) during his tenure, arrived at Indiana to lead a team that had posted a dismal 3-24 Big Ten record and 9-27 overall record in the three seasons prior to his arrival. Cignetti introduced himself bluntly: “It’s pretty simple. I win, Google me.”
“He’s an old-school football coach,” Deal said. “He’s very friendly. He doesn’t blow his own horn on media platforms. He’s the son of a coach. He was a quarterback at West Virginia. He’s best at developing quarterbacks. He coached Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson (at North Carolina State). He’s developed Kurtis Rourke (Indiana’s quarterback).”
The transfer portal has been transformative for the program. Thirty new arrivals—eight starters on offense, eight starters on defense, plus a place kicker, deep snapper, kick returner, and punt returner—are all from the portal. Thirteen players followed Cignetti from James Madison.
“That’s the secret sauce,” Mark Deal continued. “Everybody brings in transfers, but Coach Cignetti has gotten them to buy in—first in the weight room, then on the field. He is very efficient in all aspects. He elevated talent and built it cohesively.”
Four of the team’s top five ground gainers are incoming transfers, and five of the top six receivers are imports. Seven of the coaches came aboard after coaching at James Madison. The leading tackler, Aiden Fisher (98 tackles), and Mikail Kamara, who leads the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks, both hail from James Madison.
“There is a lot of rotation. Everyone stays involved,” Deal explained. “We’re more talented than people realize. All of the running backs are clones. The sum of the parts makes it bigger than the whole.”
Senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke (6-5, 231) is the fourth-ranked passer in the conference with 2,410 yards, 21 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a completion rate of 71.8%. A transfer from Ohio University, Rourke has accounted for 10,061 career passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He has 44 career starts and overcame a 2022 ACL injury. Possessing smooth mechanics and great eye discipline, he can make all the back-shoulder throws, has consistent footwork and throwing motion, and a compact release. He also makes pre-snap adjustments.
“He’s one of the best in the country,” Deal analyzed Rourke. “He plays the most important position in team sports. If you have a good quarterback, you’ve got a chance.”
The 1967 Indiana team, known as the “Cardiac Kids,” was a surprising squad that finished the season atop the Big Ten with a 9-1 record and captured the nation’s attention, beating both Michigan and Michigan State on the road. They were led by sophomore quarterback Harry Gonso, who was named team MVP.
“On the ’67 squad, we had a mixture of up-and-coming guys, good athletes, and some very cocky, self-confident types,” Gonso laughed. “We played well together.”
The team was coached by John Pont and included lineman Doug Crusan, who was drafted in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Dolphins. Crusan spent seven years in the NFL, including two Super Bowl appearances, and was part of the 16-0, undefeated 1972 Dolphins squad.
Gonso was an athlete in his own right—so much so that he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers as a catcher. “As a catcher, there’s a lot of activity required—catching, throwing, controlling the game,” Gonso said.
Gonso sees a common thread between the 1967 Hoosiers, coached by Pont, and the 2024 version, with Cignetti at the helm. “Cignetti has remarkable discipline. That can attract good players. There’s a strong sense of team.”
Mark Deal has seen that same camaraderie on the 2024 team. “This group has a lot of togetherness, despite being made up of 30 transfers. Coach Cignetti is ahead of the curve. He’s a smart man. Both he and Coach Pont have smart football minds.”
Dean Kleinshmidt, a former trainer for Indiana and the New Orleans Saints, holds spots in seven Halls of Fame, including the Saints’ Hall of Fame. He was also on staff for the 1967 Hoosiers. He sees similarities between the two teams. “The brotherhood on the 2024 team, the love for one another and the oneness, is striking. There’s a togetherness, no egos, and a common goal.”
Mark Deal played for renowned coach Lee Corso at Indiana. It was a lifetime memorable ride. Included on the 1978 schedule was a trip to Tiger Stadium.
(Photo: Terrill Weil)
“We flew into New Orleans on Friday (September 15), attended the Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks fight at the Superdome,” he recalled. “We were perched in the second balcony. After the fight, we bussed to Baton Rouge and arrived around 1 AM.” Few, if any, coaches would accommodate a team like Corso did. The ’78 LSU Tigers featured quarterbacks David Woodley and Steve Ensminger, and running backs Hokie Gajan and Charles Alexander. LSU won the game 24-17.
“Tiger Stadium was the coolest experience,” Deal smiled. “We played our butts off. It’s the best venue I ever played in. Second best was Ohio State.”
Indiana football has experienced only three winning seasons in the last 29 years and has not won a bowl game since 1951. It’s been a long drought. The team plays in a cozy, intimate 52,000-seat stadium known as “The Rock.” Support has been consistent despite limited success.
“Our second-biggest fanbase is in Chicago,” Deal said. “Our biggest is Indianapolis. I think people within a 250-mile radius attend games. There is a great tradition. People care about Indiana football. We have a strong fanbase.”
Although the Hoosiers have dropped 27 of the last 28 encounters with Michigan, the 2015 win over the Wolverines on November 9 was not celebrated as a huge upset. There was no rushing the field. “It’s an approach: ‘We came, we saw, we won.’ Our fans and players expected to beat Michigan.”
When comparing the overall numbers, Indiana and Ohio State are remarkably similar:
Offensively:
Ohio State (#1 in Big Ten): 454.9 total yards, 38.6 points per game
Indiana (#2): 453.2 total yards, 43.9 points per game
Defensively:
Ohio State (#1 in Big Ten): 250.8 yards allowed, 10.7 points allowed
Indiana leads the Big Ten with a conference-high 31 sacks and 11 interceptions. They also lead the nation by allowing just 72.2 rushing yards per game.
“We’ve gone out and dominated teams, and we’ve had games well in hand by the fourth quarter,” Mark Deal observed. “No exciting last-minute wins. We’ve made defensive plays, crucial field goals, and we’ve run the clock on offense.”
The Hoosiers are double-digit underdogs to the Buckeyes, but there is no pressure. Few outside the locker room expect Indiana to win. If there is any pressure, it may be on the Buckeyes—this is a classic David vs. Goliath matchup.
“We just need to take care of ourselves,” Deal said, outlining the keys to success. “Don’t worry about the logo on the helmets or the color of the uniforms. No turnovers, no pre-snap penalties. We’re good at both. The strength of the team is the leadership and experience. They have taken on the confidence of Coach Cignetti.”
Saturday’s college football results provided a stark comparison.
Watching Tulane and LSU produced drastically different emotions and impressions. These are two teams, two programs, heading in different directions.
Tulane drilled Navy 35-0 while LSU lost to a mediocre Florida squad 27-16.
The difference was obvious.
Start with the obvious. Tulane players love playing for Jon Sumrall. The transition from Willie Fritz to Sumrall could not have gone better. Sumrall is incredibly positive, motivational, enthusiastic and supportive.
Brian Kelly is increasingly negative, is failing to motivate players and his berating of players is coming back at haunt him.
The numbers were clear.
Tulane held Navy to 113 yards and blanked the Midshipmen, on Senior Day, on their home turf. The Green Wave controlled the football to the tune of 35:47 to just 24:53 for Navy.
Tulane committed no turnovers while forcing two by the Midshipmen. Sam Howard was responsible for both turnovers, with an interception and he recovered a fumble.
Makhi Hughes rushed for a pair of scores while Darian Mensah passed for two touchdowns.
It was the second shutout of the season for Tulane and the fourth time that the Green Wave have held opponents under 10 points. The first time Navy was blanked since the 2020 season marked the Wave’s first win in Annapolis since 2001. Tulane had lost five of its last six meetings with the Midshipmen.
Most importantly, the win gave Tulane spot in the American Athletic Conference championship game for a third consecutive year.
Things are simply different with this Tulane team.
The goal annually is to improve weekly. We are seeing that in clear fashion from the Green Wave.
Based on the way Tulane is playing, it is easy to believe that the Green Wave would beat Kansas State and possibly Oklahoma as well if the teams played now.
With eight straight wins, Tulane (9-2) has a date with Memphis before taking on Army in the AAC title game Dec. 6. The hope of making the College Football Playoff remains alive for the Olive and Blue.
That hope is long gone for LSU.
The promise of two weeks ago has disappeared quickly and dramatically. LSU has been exposed as an average team, with a lack of overall talent to compete with the best teams in the SEC, much less the average teams in the conference.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the future of Billy Napier at Florida was in serious doubt. The former Ragin’ Cajuns head coach has since gotten a vote of confidence.
The Gators sure looked confident against the Tigers.
LSU had the ball for 41:43, an incredible number. Yet, the Tigers lost by 11 points.
The site of Kyren Lacy yelling at Kelly was perhaps a tell-tale sign.
Has Kelly lost this team?
The loss to Alabama was embarrassing. The loss at Florida to a mediocre team was equally embarrassing.
The LSU program has regressed. There are no great players on this team.
Will Campbell will get drafted high and Emory Jones could as well. Harold Perkins will get an early round call but he has been out for weeks. Mason Taylor is a good player with an NFL future. Aaron Anderson has stepped up nicely and Garrett Nussmeier will get drafted.
Still, there are no players the likes of Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers or Brian Thomas, Jr.
Daniels covered up for many ills a year ago. The Tigers have no one to cover up for what ails it this season.
The overall talent is simply not good enough to win consistently against good competition.
Now, the questions about the coaching are coming.
LSU won 10 games in each of Kelly’s first two seasons. At 6-4, that is not going to happen this year.
In fact, there is no sure thing that wins ware coming against Vanderbilt or Oklahoma to close out the schedule.
Kelly was hired to win an SEC championship and to compete for and eventually win a national championship. After doing an excellent job in his first year in getting the Tigers to the SEC title game, the enthusiasm has waned, as has the productivity.
The LSU offensive line is vastly overrated. The running backs, outside of Caden Durham, are not good enough. The wide receivers are average.
The entire defense is average, lacking real playmakers.
Those advocating a change in coaches at LSU have this fact staring them in the face – Kelly is under contract through 2031. It would cost approximately $60 million to buy him out.
Kelly’s future at LSU is directly tied to recruiting. Right now, he has a top five class for 2025, if the commitments hold.
Bryce Underwood, the top quarterback prospect in the country, was recently lured by Michigan by a massive NIL offer. Underwood has stuck with LSU but will that be the case moving forward?
Calvary Baptist star lineman Devin Harper may flip his commitment from LSU to Ole Miss.
If that is a sign of things to come, things will get rocky for Kelly.
If it happens and is an exception to the rule, Kelly will withstand the onslaught of criticism and public frustration with his and his team’s performance this season.
In retrospect, LSU was very fortunate to get out of South Carolina with a win. A crucial penalty saved the Tigers in Columbia. LSU was very fortunate to steal an overtime win from Ole Miss, a better football team than the Tigers.
Had those wins not happened, the calls for change would be heard far and wide.
Tulane has clinched a berth in the AAC title game. Louisiana-Lafayette is having a banner season, leading the Sun Belt West Division. Southern University has clinched a berth in the SWAC championship game.
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