Indiana University’s football program has taken a decisive turn under head coach Curt Cignetti, who has made experience the cornerstone of his roster construction.
Rather than betting on raw potential, Cignetti seeks out veterans who have already proven themselves on the field, drawing talent from Power 4 conferences, Group of 6 programs and even FCS competition.
National rankings reflect the shift
The result is a Hoosiers squad that sits at No. 8 in the nation and holds the second‑most total snaps in the Big Ten for the 2026 season, ranking No. 13 on offense and No. 11 on defense.
What sets Indiana apart is not just its snap count but its start‑heavy lineup; the team is No. 26 in total FBS games played yet No. 4 in total FBS starts, and it leads the Big Ten with the most total FBS starts on a single roster.
The coaching staff will open fall camp in early August, and the season will kick off on Sept. 5 with a matchup against North Texas, a game that will test the depth built around seasoned players.