Curt Cignetti, the head coach of Indiana University’s football program, is already mapping out the 2026 campaign as he looks to protect the national championship that his squad captured last year. He stresses eliminating complacency and is actively searching for reasons to rally his team against each opponent.
Finding the Edge
Cignetti has a history of using disrespect or doubt as motivation, but this season he is taking a different approach. He says he has identified a "chip on his shoulder" for every game, including the matchup against Howard, and believes that anger can bring out the best in his squad.
The coach is not revealing the specific motivations for each game, but he has a plan for all 12 opponents. He wants to find something about each rival that can serve as a rallying point, turning every contest into a personal challenge for his players.
Wisconsin transfer offensive lineman Joe Brunner noted that the team is focused on 2026 and not on past successes. He emphasized that the Hoosiers are determined to stay sharp, even as predictions suggest a possible loss at Michigan and a resurgence of Ohio State at the top of the Big Ten.
Cignetti’s competitive nature, fueled by a constant sense of grievance, is seen by his players as a catalyst for performance. The coach believes that this mindset will keep the team hungry and ready to defend its title against every foe.