Curt Cignetti is not one to rest on his laurels. Fresh off a remarkable 2024 season that saw Indiana football achieve an 11-1 regular season record and a College Football Playoff berth, the head coach is already turning up the heat as the Hoosiers prepare for the 2025 campaign. With the departure of star quarterback Kurtis Rourke to the NFL, all eyes are on his successor, Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from California. While Mendoza possesses a promising skillset, Cignetti's recent comments suggest that the team, including its new quarterback, still has a ways to go to meet his expectations.
Following the team's 14th practice of fall camp on August 18, 2025, Cignetti addressed the media, making it clear that while progress has been made, he remains unsatisfied. "Making progress but never satisfied, and that is sort of the theme right now," Cignetti stated. He emphasized the importance of continued development across all aspects of the game, stating, "I see a lot of improvement out there, but it's still not where it needs to be. And, even when it's close you can never be really satisfied if you want to be great".
When asked about Mendoza's development, Cignetti offered a measured response. He acknowledged Mendoza's unique skillset, describing him as a "big guy that is very mobile" with "a quick whip and good velocity on the ball". Cignetti also noted that Mendoza has done a "nice job of learning the offense". However, he stopped short of showering the young quarterback with praise, adding, "still not perfect, but nobody out there is".
Cignetti's remarks underscore his commitment to continuous improvement and his unwillingness to settle for mediocrity. He has instilled a process-oriented approach within the program, constantly emphasizing the need to improve focus, concentration, urgency, and communication. This mindset is reflected in his comments about the team's approach to each practice: "We don't look at a body of work from last season and try every day to improve upon it. We try to improve upon yesterday's practice or the previous drill or the previous rep".
The head coach's dissatisfaction extends beyond Mendoza's performance, encompassing the entire team. He is focused on ensuring that the offense, defense, and special teams are prepared for any situation that may arise during a game. He's also looking to identify reliable players and create depth and competition within the roster. Cignetti's emphasis on competition suggests that no starting position is guaranteed, and players must consistently earn their roles.
Despite the high expectations, Cignetti's players seem to have bought into his philosophy. Transfers have expressed their admiration for Cignetti's directness, organization, and the way he handles his players. Cignetti's ability to connect with his players and instill a culture of hard work and accountability has been a key factor in his success.
As the Hoosiers enter the final week of fall camp, the pressure is on for Mendoza and the rest of the team to elevate their game. Cignetti's dissatisfaction serves as a reminder that the pursuit of greatness requires relentless effort and a constant desire to improve. While the 2024 season was undoubtedly a success, Cignetti is determined to build upon that foundation and guide Indiana football to even greater heights. Whether Mendoza and the Hoosiers can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Curt Cignetti will not let them settle for anything less than their best.
