From 9-27 to the Top
When Curt Cignetti took over as head coach in Bloomington, Indiana was a program in freefall. The team had compiled a dismal 9-27 record over the three seasons prior to his arrival. Now, just a short time later, the Hoosiers are prepping to defend their 2025 national title, a remarkable transformation under Cignetti. The once-struggling program has not only shed its record for most losses in FBS history but also earned a new reputation as a rising force. That dubious achievement in losses now falls to conference rival Northwestern.
Cignetti remains focused on process over praise. “We have a way of doing things. We’ve got guys that have been together, and all we do is win,” he said. That approach has already produced two College Football Playoff appearances, including a national championship. However, the current challenge is to sustain that high-level performance without some key contributors.
Replacing the Star
The departure of Fernando Mendoza is a major void for the Hoosiers. The Heisman-winning quarterback was drafted first overall in 2025 by the Las Vegas Raiders. During his only season at Indiana, Mendoza was instrumental in the team's title success and became one of eight Hoosiers selected in the NFL draft. Now, the offensive role must be taken over by Josh Hoover, the transfer quarterback from TCU.
Hoover is stepping into a big spotlight. Cignetti highlights what made Mendoza special: “What separated Fernando was when the game was on the line... that’s when he played his best football.” Over his college career, Hoover has accumulated 9,627 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions. The task ahead is clear — he must lead the team through crucial moments as his predecessor did.
The Hoosiers have embraced the transfer portal, building their roster with top talent. Among the 18 newcomers signed, Nick Marsh stands out. The former Michigan State wide receiver drew immediate attention when he showed up to spring practice in gold cleats — a move that led to a stern reprimand from Cignetti. Since then, Marsh has impressed with his work ethic, tallying 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Cignetti's vision extends beyond just the transfer market. In recent weeks, the program has made strides in high school recruiting, securing commitments from standout prospects. Among them are five-star wide receiver Monshun Sales for the class of 2027 and highly rated quarterback Lukas Prock for the class of 2028. These additions could help the Hoosiers maintain their competitive edge for the coming years.
For now, the focus remains on the 2026 season. The team is preparing with the mindset of predators, not victims. As defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker explained: “We’re preparing like we’re predators and we’re hungry.” That attitude might be tested given recent feedback from the Big Ten media. In a recent unofficial preseason poll, the defending national champions were ranked third in the conference, trailing Ohio State and Oregon.
Cignetti knows what it takes to beat those programs. He secured victories over both en route to last year’s title. With a new season ahead, he remains confident in the approach the team takes. “We believe everything is earned, not given.” That philosophy, combined with talent and hard work, is what has brought Indiana to this point — and what could carry it even further. Earlier this month, Cignetti was the final coach to take the big stage at Big Ten football media days, where he delivered a lighthearted quip to a packed crowd at the Hilton Chicago. Illinois' Bret Bielema called Indiana's rise 'the most impressive story that I've witnessed in my college career,' and other coaches echoed the sentiment, citing the program's transformation from longtime bottom-dweller to 16-0 national champion in Cignetti's second season as a testament to what's possible in modern college football. Cignetti, known for his intelligence and ability to surround himself with talent, has inspired the conference with Indiana's unprecedented success.