They are undefeated.
When glancing at the latest college football rankings, familiar teams like Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, and Penn State dominate the top spots. These programs are known for their strong traditions, frequent championship runs, and ability to attract top recruits. However, one name on the list stands out and demands a double-take: Indiana. Traditionally more recognized for its basketball success, highlighted by five national titles and legendary coach Bob Knight, Indiana football is experiencing a historic season and is vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The No. 5 Hoosiers face No. 2 Ohio State in what is arguably the most significant game in the program’s history. Indiana’s turnaround is astonishing, given its historically modest football achievements. The team, which went 10-0 this season, had not managed 10 combined wins over the previous three years. Its last Rose Bowl appearance was in 1967, and double-digit victories had remained elusive. However, the arrival of Curt Cignetti as head coach has sparked a remarkable transformation. Cignetti’s bold, confident approach, including a fiery introduction where he declared rival teams “suck,” instantly won over fans and injected new energy into the program.
Cignetti’s track record as a winner backs up his bravado. With a coaching career that includes success at James Madison and stints with Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama, he has brought a winning mentality to Indiana. This season, the Hoosiers have excelled offensively and defensively, leading the Big Ten in points per game and other key metrics. Much of this success stems from Cignetti’s aggressive use of the transfer portal, bringing in 31 players from other programs, including 13 from his former team at James Madison. Key contributors like quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who boasts one of the nation’s best passer ratings, have been instrumental.
On defense, Indiana has also shone, ranking among the top in yards allowed and points surrendered per game. Heading into their clash with powerhouse Ohio State, the Hoosiers face an uphill battle. The Buckeyes, a storied program with multiple national championships, are formidable, boasting a high-powered offense and a rich history of dominance over Indiana. Despite the odds, Cignetti remains confident in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge and potentially pull off a historic upset.
The faith Indiana’s administration has placed in Cignetti is evident, as they recently extended his contract through 2032 with a lucrative $8 million annual salary. Athletic director Scott Dolson praised Cignetti’s impact on the program, noting how he has energized the fan base and built a foundation for sustained success. As Indiana’s football program embraces this newfound momentum, fans and players alike hope this season marks the start of a new era in Bloomington.
