Curt Cignetti does not name team captains but Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher fits the bill. He showed the utmost respect to Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer after Saturday’s exhilarating college football game in Happy Valley.
In a world full of so much negativity, this is the kind of thing that needs more attention.
Credit to Fisher’s parents and to coach Cig. They and the college football staff that followed their head coach from Harrisonburg to Bloomington raised a great man both on and off the field.
Who is Aiden Fisher?
As a native of Fredricksburg, Virginia, Fisher was not ranked as a recruit out of high school. Virginia Tech showed some interest as a walk-on but he received only one scholarship offer from James Madison.
It did not take long for the 6-foot-1, 233-pound linebacker to make an impact on defense.
Fisher appeared in 10 games as a freshman and recorded five tackles on special teams. His sophomore year was a major breakout.
“I really dedicated myself to football,” Fisher said. “I really just dove in. I was watching film two hours a day, making sure there was no stone unturned. I wanted to make sure I knew everything. I wanted to make sure I was working out as much as possible, getting extra work.”
He finished with 108 total tackles (50 solo), six pass deflections, 1.5 sacks and a pick in 2023.
Cignetti brought Aiden Fisher with him to Indiana in 2024. He made 118 total tackles en route to the College Football Playoff last season.
This year is on similar pace.
Fisher recorded nine tackles (five solo) and recovered a fumble during the Hoosier’s win over the Nittany Lions on Saturday. However, it was his actions after the clock hit zero that really stood out.
Indiana’s star linebacker showed the utmost class in victory.
Although Cignetti does not name team captains, Fisher might as well be one of them. His inspiring story of resilience exemplifies everything you want from a leader.
Fisher’s character was on full display on Saturday. It’s what you do and how you act when nobody is watching that matters most.
Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer attempted one final heave to the end zone on the final play of the game. Most of Indiana’s defense celebrated the victory as soon as the ball hit the ground.
Not Aiden Fisher.
The senior linebacker walked right over to Grunkemeyer, picked him up off of the ground, and showed him the utmost respect. He didn’t know the camera just so happened to be on him while he did.
— – (@Spicoli_____) November 8, 2025
This is the kind of thing that often goes unnoticed but matters the most. Wins and losses come a dime a dozen. Character lasts forever. Fisher’s parents should be proud.