Curt Cignetti is heading into his second season as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, following a historic 2024 season that saw the team achieve an 11-2 record and a College Football Playoff appearance. Cignetti was named the Home Depot National Coach of the Year after his first season with IU. At Big Ten Media Days, Cignetti emphasized that the accomplishments of the previous year are in the past and that the team needs to focus on earning everything in the upcoming season.
Building on Success, Not Just Sustaining
Cignetti has made it clear that the goal isn't simply to maintain the level of success achieved in 2024, but to improve upon it. He stated, "We're not looking to sustain it, we're looking to improve it". He believes that improvement comes from having the right people in the program, from coaches to players, and maintaining high standards and expectations. Cignetti emphasizes consistency in day-to-day operations, so the team can play fast, physical, smart, disciplined, and poised. He wants his team to remain unaffected by both success and failure, and to never be satisfied until the game is over.
Transfer Portal Additions and Key Returners
To continue building the program, Cignetti has again utilized the transfer portal to address key needs. The Hoosiers have added quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Cal, who is expected to take over from Kurtis Rourke. Mendoza threw for over 3,000 yards last season and Cignetti has praised his size, mobility, quick release, and ability to extend plays. Other notable transfer additions include OL Pat Coogan from Notre Dame, TE Holden Staes from Tennessee, and RB Roman Hemby from Maryland.
Key returning players include WR Elijah Sarratt, LB Aiden Fisher, DB D'Angelo Ponds, and DE Mikail Kamara. Sarratt, who led the team in receiving last season with 53 catches for 957 yards and eight touchdowns, is expected to be a top target again this year. Kamara is an All-Big Ten defensive end who followed Cignetti from James Madison.
Focus on Team over Individual
Cignetti has stressed the importance of a team-first mentality. He believes that personal goals should be secondary to team goals, and that when a team is successful, everyone benefits. He stated that selfishness cannot be tolerated, regardless of who it is.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite the optimism, the Hoosiers face a challenging schedule in 2025, including road games against Oregon and Penn State, two College Football Playoff teams from last year. Some believe Indiana may take a step back after their surprising 2024 season. The Big Ten media poll projected a sixth-place finish for the Hoosiers, suggesting they may be considered a "one-hit wonder".
However, Cignetti and his team are determined to prove the doubters wrong. Kamara stated that the team has always overcome expectations and that they have bought into Cignetti's standard. The ultimate goal is to win a championship.
Impact Beyond the Field
Cignetti recognizes the impact that the football program's success has on the entire university. He noted that it has helped with fundraising, academics, and athletics. He also mentioned that Indiana has a large alumni base and that the team's success has generated a lot of Hoosier pride. The program's raised national profile has also aided recruiting.
