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Friday football news: D’Angelo Ponds declares for NFL draft, Saturday’s celebration still on, new strength and conditioning coach hired

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IU's D'Angelo Ponds celebrates a touchdown.

IU All-American cornerback D’Angelo Ponds officially declared for the NFL draft on Friday afternoon.

The two-time All-Big Ten selection finished the 2025 season with 43 solo tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and 10 pass breakups.

Ponds posted a statement on his social media account, thanking IU fans:

Saturday’s national championship celebration still on despite major winter storm

Despite a major winter storm affecting travel across much of the country this weekend, Indiana still plans to host its national championship celebration at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

IU Athletics released the following statement on the celebration:

“The Indiana Football College Football Playoff National Championship celebration, scheduled for 1–1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at IU’s Memorial Stadium, will proceed as planned.

“Consistent with all IU Football events, IU Athletics is consulting regularly with its meteorologist and is aware of the below-average temperatures predicted for Saturday. In making this decision, we considered that this weekend’s predicted snowfall is not expected until Saturday evening through Sunday, well after the conclusion of the event.

“By keeping the celebration at the stadium rather than moving it indoors, we aim to minimize the total time attendees are exposed to the elements. If the event was moved to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, we anticipate fans would spend multiple hours standing in lines to secure entry.

“Additionally, we want Hoosier fans to have the opportunity to see and hear from as many members of the championship team as possible. If the celebration was delayed, many players would likely be unable to attend as they would no longer be in Bloomington.

“In light of the cold temperatures, fans are encouraged to dress warmly and remain in their vehicles until close to the 1 p.m. start time. Should the weather forecast dramatically worsen, we will provide further updates as necessary.”

IU hires Colorado State’s Tyson Brown as new strength and conditioning coach

IU football lost strength and conditioning coach Derek Owings to Tennessee less than 24 hours after winning the national championship, but the Hoosiers already have a replacement.

According to multiple reports, Curt Cignetti will bring Colorado State’s Tyson Brown to Bloomington to replace Owings.

From Zach Osterman of The Indianapolis Star: “Brown spent two seasons at UConn, after six working under, among others, the late Mike Leach at Mississippi State. Brown also worked with Leach as an assistant at Washington State. Prior to that, Brown accepted the job of head strength coach at Elon briefly, during Cignetti’s tenure there.”

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