Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti is focused on maintaining momentum as his team prepares to defend its national championship. Taking over a struggling program that posted a 9-27 record in the three years before his arrival, Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, including a national title in 2025. His priority now is avoiding complacency and ensuring the team sustains the same drive that fueled its rapid ascent.
“We have a way of doing things,” Cignetti said. “We’ve got guys that have been together, and all we do is win.”
Indiana’s recent success has significantly altered its standing within the Big Ten, shedding its reputation as the program with the most losses in the Bowl Subdivision—a distinction now held by conference rival Northwestern. Looking ahead, the Hoosiers face the challenge of sustaining their winning culture without the leadership of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who left after his lone season to join the Las Vegas Raiders as the top pick in this year’s NFL draft. Mendoza was one of a school-record eight players drafted this year.
Offensive tackle Carter Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining the established work ethic. “We need to make sure that we keep the same blueprint as last year going into this year, and that includes maintaining the same work ethic,” Smith said.
Indiana bolstered its roster significantly through the transfer portal, adding 18 newcomers, including former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and ex-Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh. While Marsh faced early scrutiny from Cignetti—being reprimanded for wearing gold cleats to spring practice—the coach has since praised his dedication. Marsh recorded 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns in the past two seasons. Hoover, who passed for 9,627 yards and 71 touchdowns over three years, will be tasked with filling Mendoza’s considerable void.
“What separated Fernando was when the game was on the line, those fourth-quarter wins, the last three minutes, four minutes, that’s when he played his best football,” Cignetti noted.
The program’s upward trajectory extends beyond transfers, with notable recruiting gains including verbal commitments from 2027 five-star wide receiver Monshun Sales and highly regarded 2028 quarterback Lukas Prock. This combination of talent acquisition reflects Cignetti’s long-term vision of establishing Indiana as a perennial contender, provided he remains at the helm.
Defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker described the team’s mindset entering the season as defending champions rather than challengers. “We prepare in a way we wouldn’t think we’re being hunted,” Tucker said. “We’re preparing like we’re predators and we’re hungry. We still have that chip on our shoulder, ultimately.”
Despite their status, the Hoosiers are not the preseason favorites. A recent poll of Big Ten media placed Indiana third in the conference behind Ohio State and Oregon. Cignetti acknowledged the challenge but underscored Indiana’s resilience, having defeated both rivals on the road en route to last year’s title.
Reflecting on the Big Ten’s standing in college football, Cignetti noted, “We don’t run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given. When we fall short, we say, ‘We fell short.’ We don’t cry a river, whine and complain. That’s why we’re the best.”