Curt Cignetti has already earned national praise for what he accomplished with the Indiana football program last season, leading the Hoosiers to the best record in program history and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Now, he’s gaining recognition as one of the top coaches in the sport.
At least, that’s how Pro Football Focus sees it.
PFF just released its list of the “Top 10 college football head coaches,” and Cignetti made the cut at No. 10 overall. That ranking also puts him fourth among Big Ten coaches, behind Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, and Penn State’s James Franklin.
This is high praise for the former James Madison head coach, who has found success wherever he’s gone.
In just two seasons at James Madison, he posted a 19-4 record and led the team to as high as No. 18 in the AP rankings. Now, he’s 30-6 as a head coach and has finished every season ranked — including last year, when Indiana rose to No. 5.
With former California quarterback Fernando Mendoza stepping in to replace departing senior Kurtis Rourke, the Hoosiers show no signs of slowing down.
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Indiana’s favorable schedule this season only adds to the growing optimism around the program. While their recruiting might not be on the same level as powerhouses like Ohio State or Oregon just yet, Cignetti’s reputation continues to rise nationally.
What sets him apart is his knack for developing talent and getting the most out of his players — a big reason why Indiana has climbed so quickly.
He’s proven he can make a fast impact and raise Indiana’s profile. With talented players and a bright future ahead, the Hoosiers look set to keep growing, while Cignetti continues to build a well-earned reputation among college football’s best.