All is not well in Bloomington.

Tensions soared at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall during Indiana’s 69-94 loss to Illinois, with fans booing head coach Mike Woodson. However, star forward Luke Goode’s post-game remarks ignited a deeper controversy, leaving the Hoosier nation questioning its unity and direction.

As the pressure mounted, the defeat was marked by fans chanting “Fire Woodson” in reference to HC Mike Woodson. Addressing the negative reactions from the crowd, including boos and chants, Goode said in the post-game interview, “It’s all those fans that were booing and so negative on social media. Just don’t switch sides when we get this thing turned around.”

Luke Goode expresses unwavering faith in the team and coaching staff to overcome their current challenges, signaling a hopeful and determined mindset within the locker room. “We all got the confidence, our teammates got the confidence, and our coach, so just stay on that side when we start being successful again,” he pointedly said.

But that didn’t mean he was delusional. Goode acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating, “I understand it. We got embarrassed.” He emphasized the need for players to wear the Indiana jersey with more pride, given the program’s storied history.

As the Hoosiers struggled—shooting just 38.5% from the field, getting outmuscled on the boards, and offering little defensive resistance—the frustration only grew louder, setting the stage for an evening full of tension both on and off the court. The Hoosiers (13-5, 4-3 Big Ten) trailed by as many as 31 points and faced a 28-point deficit at halftime while dropping a second straight conference game by 25 points.

Woodson also acknowledged the team’s struggles with slow starts and hinted at potential lineup changes, saying, “I got to make some changes …We haven’t been getting off to a good start.”

Leal pointed out the root cause of Indiana’s struggles, lack of effort, toughness, and teamwork. He emphasized, “It really doesn’t matter what we do if we’re not going to do it hard, with effort and toughness…we just aren’t matching anybody’s toughness or togetherness or effort right now.”

Despite Luke Goode’s call for unity and patience, the simmering frustration within the Hoosiers’ fanbase continues to boil over. So, can Goode’s confidence in the team and coaching staff silence the doubters?

Fan outrage grows, calls to fire Mike Woodson intensify

A frustrated fan took to Twitter in response to Goode’s comments. And suffice it to say, they held nothing back! “No one was switching sides. You were getting booed ‘cause you blow. Fire Woodson, let Walsh finish the season, and put as much effort into the game as you do in your gay TikTok dance videos. That’s all we’re asking for.“ This tweet highlights both the team’s performance and coach Mike Woodson and reflects the growing discontent within the fanbase as calls for change heat up.

Another fan decided to hand out a harsh truth: “If Mike Woodson wasn’t an IU legend, he may have been fired already.” This tweet highlights the growing tension surrounding Woodson’s tenure, suggesting that his legacy as a former player may be the only thing keeping him in his current role amid mounting calls for his dismissal.

One fan tweeted, “It’s past time for Mike Woodson to go,” alongside a shot of Indiana’s student section in the second half of a Big Ten basketball game. #iubb Their frustration reflects the rising tension within the fanbase, especially after calls for change were further fueled by recent performances and Luke Goode’s comments.

Another fan added, “I keep hoping my phone alerts me to an IUBB announcement that they have let Mike Woodson go. No such luck. Dolson has got to get it done despite the backlash coming from QB and friends. #firemikewoodson.”