Building Your Own Legacy: The Story of Curt Cignetti and The Indiana Hoosiers

In the modern era of college football, nothing is constant. Whether its NIL, the transfer portal, or coaches leaving for better opportunities— everything is changing.

The CFP era has turned into complete chaos since the NCAA began allowing players to make money through their name, image, and likeness in 2021.  Athletic departments are going all in.  Alumni all over the country are putting together millions, if not billions of dollars, to give their alma maters an edge.  

Universities and their NIL funding collectives have set a standard— raise as much money possible in order to obtain as many 5-star recruits and players from the transfer portal as they can.

However, the most dominant team of the season has completely shocked everyone with their sudden success against the biggest brands in college football.  The Indiana Hoosiers are by no means your traditional program. Since Curt Cignetti was hired by Indiana in late 2023, over 50 players have transferred to Indiana on scholarship.

This can be very common when a new coach arrives.  A whole system must be set in place— coaching staff, trainers, and players that fit their preferred style.  But what separates Cignetti from the rest is that he is not interested in seeking the most glamorous recruits and transfer portal prospects.  Cignetti’s first 13 transfers going into Indiana all came from his former program, James Madison.  

No disrespect to James Madison— but they are not the typical hub for the most talented players in the nation. Cignetti’s philosophy is about building the toughest and smartest team possible— regardless of the ratings— regardless of what the experts say. In fact, Indiana’s roster consists of zero 5-star recruits.

The NIL era has exposed many big brands in the sport. You simply cannot create a successful program by throwing money at the biggest names—expecting them to perform. Building a culture and developing players will always separate the good teams from the great ones.

Fernando Mendoza is a prime example of talent being developed, not bought. Mendoza was a 3-star recruit out of high school. He showed promising flashes at Cal, throwing 30 touchdowns in his first two seasons. Cignetti took a chance and offered Mendoza a spot on the Hoosiers roster through the transfer portal.

This season, Mendoza went off—throwing for 41 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. He capped off the season by winning the Heisman Trophy along with becoming a Big Ten Champion.

Cignetti does not buy into the hype in regards to blue chip programs. The Indiana Hoosiers have statistically been one of the worst football programs of all time. Out of 136 D1 programs, the Hoosiers rank 127 in winning percentage (.424). 

Last year in Cignetti’s first season, the Hoosiers finished 11-2 overall— with their only losses coming to the eventual National Champions and National Runner-ups in Ohio State and Notre Dame, respectively. 

Most coaches would see this job as a stepping stone, in hopes to one day get an offer from the Penn States or Alabamas or Ohio States of the world.  However, in October, Cignetti signed an 8-year extension with the Indiana Hoosiers.  He is in it for the long haul.  He wants to make Indiana a winner.  

This season, the Hoosiers are currently 15-0 with a chance to bring home their first ever National Championship on January 19th against the Miami Hurricanes. Regardless of the outcome, Cignetti has put Indiana Football on the map— building his own legacy.