Cignetti’s meteoric rise
ESPN’s latest coach poll has placed Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti at the summit, with half of the voters ranking him No. 1. The recognition underscores a dramatic shift in perception for a program that had not reached double‑digit wins in 125 years.
Cignetti’s record tells the story of that shift. In just two seasons he compiled a 27‑2 record, captured a national championship, and added three postseason victories. His 11‑1 campaign at James Madison in 2023 served as a prelude to the current surge.
The Big Ten has enjoyed three straight titles during his tenure, and the Hoosiers are set to open the upcoming season on Sept. 5 against North Texas. The matchup promises to test whether the early momentum can be sustained at the highest level.
Dave Wilson, ESPN’s college‑football analyst, praised Cignetti for turning a perennial underdog into a contender, noting the coach’s ability to instill a winning culture almost overnight.