Curt Cignetti’s extension should keep good times rolling at Indiana

It didn’t take long for Indiana’s historic season to pay dividends for head coach Curt Cignetti.

On Saturday, the Hoosiers extended Cignetti less than a year after initially signing him, giving him an eight-year deal worth up to $72 million. 

On Nov. 30, 2023, Indiana hired Cignetti to a six-year, $27 million contract. 

The first-year Indiana head coach, who boasted about his winning resume before the season, has quickly transformed the program.

Indiana (10-0, 7-0 in Big Ten) is in the midst of its first 10-win season and is trending toward a berth in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

It plays CFP No. 2 Ohio State (8-1, 5-1 in Big Ten) in the biggest game in program history next Saturday, Nov. 23.

With a win, a home game against lowly Purdue (1-8, 0-6 in Big Ten) will be the only thing standing between the Hoosiers and a trip to their first Big Ten championship game.

With the conference title game at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, the Hoosiers could potentially play in a de facto home game for a chance at a CFP first-round bye.

ESPN’s Football Power Index is pessimistic about Indiana’s chances, only giving it a 13.1 percent chance to win out and a 14.9 percent chance to win the Big Ten.

Regardless of how this season ends, Cignetti’s extension suggests the Hoosiers won’t be a one-year wonder.

In 14 seasons as a college football head coach, Cignetti is 129-35. He began his head coaching career at Division II IUP before moving to FCS Elon.

Cignetti coached James Madison for five seasons, the last two after the Dukes transitioned to FBS.

He’s 62-9 in three seasons at college football’s top division and has never had a losing season at any level.

After ranking 16th in the Big Ten in 247 Sports’ high school team recruiting rankings in 2024, Indiana is up three spots in the 2025 class rankings.

Cignetti and his staff’s ability to develop players will be key to Indiana’s ability to sustain its 2024 form.

His history makes it likely that it won’t be a problem.

Per 247 Sports, James Madison’s 2022 and
2023 recruiting classes under Cignetti ranked last in the Sun Belt, yet he averaged 9.5 wins those seasons.

Indiana should also be attractive for players in the transfer portal.

Cignetti relied heavily on the portal to fill out his first Hoosiers roster.

Several former James Madison players have been significant contributors, and quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who played at Ohio from 2019-23, is a dark horse contender to be a Heisman finalist. This season, he is 171-of-238 (71.8 percent) for 2,410 yards (10.1 yards per attempt), 21 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Indiana’s transfer portal success should make it attractive to prospects.

The Hoosiers have been one of college football’s best stories, and Cignetti’s extension likely means they’re just getting started.