Ben Harakel, a native of Berks County, Pennsylvania, recently celebrated a remarkable achievement as Indiana University’s senior defensive analyst during the College Football Playoff championship game. On January 19, 2025, Harakel was part of a historic moment at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, where Indiana triumphed over Miami (Florida) with a score of 27-21, winning the national title.
Reflecting on the championship game, Harakel described the experience as overwhelming. “To say it was stressful is a little bit of an understatement,” he stated. The pressure of the game heightened as he aimed to ensure that every detail was accounted for. When Jamari Sharpe intercepted Carson Beck’s pass, sealing the victory, Harakel felt an immense sense of relief and joy. “It was an incredible blessing. You’re just so happy for the kids in the locker room and the guys who put 11½ months of effort into it,” he added.
Indiana’s journey to this national championship was particularly noteworthy. The team started the season with the most losses in college football history but managed an astonishing 16-0 record, marking one of the most remarkable seasons in recent sports history. Harakel expressed pride not only for the players but also for the fans in Indiana who had long awaited such success.
Harakel’s path to coaching has been anything but conventional. Although he played football and baseball at Conrad Weiser High School, he never had the opportunity to start as quarterback, a position he aspired to fill. Instead, he was behind the all-state pick, Aidan Brosious. According to Scouts coach Alan Moyer, Harakel was a strategic player who understood the team’s offense thoroughly, often acting as a coach on the field.
The passion for football runs deep in Harakel’s family, as he learned much from his father, Andy, and uncle, Tony, both of whom have extensive coaching backgrounds. Harakel fondly recalled watching game films with his father, an experience that solidified his love for coaching. “That’s where I got my love for coaching,” he remarked.
After graduating as salutatorian from Conrad Weiser’s Class of 2014, Harakel enrolled at Penn State to study aerospace engineering. While initially believing his playing days were over, he found a new direction in coaching when he connected with a football team acquaintance during his freshman year. This encounter led him to a position in the video department, which ultimately opened the door to coaching.
Harakel’s talent was recognized by Jevin Stone, the video coordinator, who encouraged him to pursue coaching. Following Stone’s recommendation, he impressed Penn State graduate assistants Ryan Smith and Andrew Jackson, leading to his role as a student assistant. Over four years, he accumulated responsibilities that paved the way for his coaching career.
During his time at Penn State, Harakel often interacted with head coach James Franklin, who would ask him about his degree. “It’s funny,” he said, recalling their conversations. “He’d ask, ‘What’s your major?’ and I’d say, ‘I just love football, Coach.’”
After five seasons at Penn State, Harakel secured a graduate assistant position at James Madison University with the help of Brent Pry, then the linebackers coach. Despite earning only $11,000 a year, he remained dedicated to his coaching aspirations. To supplement his income, he took a job at a local golf course while living with Jackson, who had become the Dukes’ defensive tackles coach.
It was at James Madison where Harakel met Curt Cignetti, the new head coach, and began a successful partnership that would lead to a remarkable record of 79 wins and 12 losses over seven seasons between James Madison and Indiana. Harakel attributes much of his success to Cignetti’s meticulous approach to coaching, emphasizing attention to detail and a process-oriented mindset. “It’s not about the outcome. It’s about doing every single thing right because that’s the right thing to do,” he explained.
The support of Harakel’s family has been instrumental in his journey. His parents, who frequently traveled to watch him coach, were present at the championship game. His mother, Janell, expressed pride in her son’s commitment to his passion, stating, “I told him a long time ago to find something you love to do and make that your job.”
After the championship victory, Harakel and his colleagues returned to work, eager to continue their success. “I was very good at aerospace engineering, but I didn’t love it,” he acknowledged. “I wake up every morning and I’m excited to go do this.”
As he rode back to campus from the Indianapolis airport with the championship team, Harakel witnessed the excitement of the community. Fans waved flags from overpasses, celebrating the historic victory. “To get one for the Hoosier community was really special,” he said, highlighting the significance of the moment for Indiana.
With a passion for coaching that continues to drive him, Ben Harakel’s story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that dedication and love for the game can lead to extraordinary achievements.
