In the annals of college football, few transformations have been as dramatic as the resurgence of the Indiana Hoosiers under head coach Curt Cignetti. Once considered a perennial underdog, Indiana’s football program has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, positioning itself as a formidable contender among the sport’s elite.
Cignetti’s arrival in Bloomington in December 2023 marked a turning point for the Hoosiers. Bringing with him a storied coaching career that included successful stints at James Madison, Elon, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Cignetti instilled a winning mentality from day one. His bold proclamation, “It’s pretty simple. I win. Google me,” set the tone for a program hungry for success .
The 2024 season bore witness to this newfound vigor. Indiana achieved a program-best 11–2 record, including an 8–1 mark in the Big Ten Conference. Notably, the Hoosiers secured victories over powerhouse programs such as Michigan and Washington, both of whom had competed in the previous season’s national championship game . Their impressive performance earned them a historic berth in the College Football Playoff, a first for the program.
Despite a valiant effort, Indiana fell to Notre Dame in the first round of the playoff. Nevertheless, the season’s accomplishments did not go unnoticed. Cignetti garnered multiple national Coach of the Year honors, including accolades from The Associated Press and the Football Writers Association of America . His leadership revitalized the fanbase, leading to sold-out crowds at Memorial Stadium for the final four home games of the season .
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Cignetti continues to build upon this momentum. The Hoosiers secured the 18th-best transfer portal class, highlighted by the addition of quarterback Fernando Mendoza from the University of California, Berkeley. Mendoza, a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining, is poised to take over the reins of the offense . The team also welcomed back key contributors, including safety Louis Moore and offensive lineman Khalil Benson, both of whom returned after transferring away in 2023.
Cignetti’s unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to spring practices. Emphasizing continuous improvement, he stated, “Never waste a chance to improve,” underscoring the importance of maximizing every opportunity for growth . This philosophy has permeated the program, fostering a culture of relentless pursuit of success.
As the Hoosiers prepare to kick off the 2025 season against Old Dominion University on August 30, the anticipation is palpable. With Cignetti at the helm, Indiana is not merely aiming to replicate past successes but to establish itself as a mainstay among college football’s elite. The journey from underdog to contender is well underway, and the Hoosiers are poised to continue their ascension.
