MIAMI – Bloomington natives had been used to seeing the worst of the worst of college football with Indiana football. Until recently.
After IU’s 27-21 victory over Miami on Monday night, they can finally say they’ve seen the best of the best.
But only one could say they actually had a hand in doing so on the playing field, and that’s tight end and Bloomington local James Bomba.
“This kid grew up wanting to be a Hoosier,” Indiana tight ends coach Grant Cain said following the game. “That’s when the Hoosiers weren’t that good. He’s seen it all. To see him have the fruits of his labor is amazing, and I’m sure he’s got to pinch himself right now.”
Bomba grew up at a time when Indiana Football was lucky to even muster a winning season. Not many people would’ve kept their support for any program that had a clear lack of success quite like the Hoosiers.
But that didn’t stop his family from showing up.
James had relatives who had spent time with the team, so even if he wanted to stop going, he couldn’t have.
His father, Matt, was a walk-on for Indiana Football who earned a scholarship in the early 90s. Both of James’s grandfathers played decades before Matt. His sister, Mason, is currently on staff for recruiting.
No matter the results, the Indiana Football program was in his blood.
“From my brother, to my dad, to my grandpas, they all played here, and we’re just carrying that legacy,” Mason said. “I am so proud of my brother, I’m so proud of him for all that he’s done. He’s incredible.”
As a Bloomington South H.S. graduate in 2021, there was very little doubt that the tight end, if given the opportunity, would follow in his family’s footsteps. Bomba got that chance. After starting his career at Miami (Ohio), he walked on at Indiana in 2021, and earned a scholarship the following year.
However, after three years of consecutive losing seasons and a change at head coach, Bomba had a decision to make. Staying with the program under a new coaching staff came with its fair share of sacrifices. Bomba would have to take a hefty cut of playing time and see most of his snaps played on special teams.
But in the end, his limited role still played a part in Indiana’s historic 16-0 perfect season. As the final seconds ran down the clock and the Hoosiers were crowned National Champions, none of those sacrifices mattered. The only thing that mattered was taking in the winning moments with his family and their favorite program.
“It’s unbelievable,” Bomba said. “I mean, growing up, this wasn’t even in my wildest dreams. It’s just so special to be here and. Undefeated national champs is something that not many people can say.”
Bomba won’t be known as a particularly impactful player in comparison to his teammates.
But as a kid who grew up through all of the trials of Indiana Football yet continued to remain committed to his fandom and his family’s legacy, there is little doubt that this win means as much if not more to Bomba than any other player on the roster.
“I’m a Hoosier for life,” he said. “That doesn’t change. I bleed cream and crimson, and that will never change,” he said.
