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Curt Cignetti news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers, 16-0 national champs, open 2026 title defense Saturday vs North Texas.
The reigning champs' repeat bid tests whether last year's magic was real or one-off.
Background
Curt Cignetti led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and the program's first national championship in 2025, beating Miami 27-21. He has a 27-2 record in Bloomington and is now preparing for the 2026 season, with the opener against North Texas. Media coverage focuses on whether the Hoosiers can repeat, with questions about roster turnover and new quarterback Fernando Mendoza's departure to the NFL.
How it unfolded
- 2024 seasonIn his first season, Cignetti led Indiana to an 11-2 record and a College Football Playoff appearance, losing to Notre Dame.
- Dec 6, 2025Indiana beat Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten championship game.
- Jan 19, 2026Indiana beat Miami 27-21 in the national title game to finish 16-0 and win the program's first national championship.
- Apr 2026A school-record eight Hoosiers were selected in the NFL draft, including Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall.
- Sep 1, 2026 -3, 2026Cignetti made media appearances on the Pat McAfee Show and Under the Hood podcast, previewing the season opener against North Texas.
- Sep 5, 2026Indiana opens the 2026 season against North Texas in Bloomington, with Cignetti seeking to defend the national title.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Cignetti's efficient practice methods and 'blueprint' have produced unprecedented success, and he remains the head coach with a 27-2 record.
- Caution
- Some analysts question whether last year's success was an aberration, given the loss of key players like Mendoza to the NFL.