Curt Cignetti Leads Indiana Hoosiers Toward Historic Title

The Indiana Hoosiers football program, long overshadowed by its basketball counterpart, finds itself on the cusp of college football immortality. Tonight, under the bright lights and national spotlight, head coach Curt Cignetti leads his resurgent Hoosiers into a much-anticipated national championship showdown against the Miami Hurricanes. For a team that just a few years ago seemed destined for irrelevance, the transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary.

When Curt Cignetti took the reins in Bloomington, Indiana’s football fortunes were at rock bottom. The Hoosiers had suffered through three consecutive losing seasons, posting a dismal 9-26 record. Football was, for all intents and purposes, an afterthought on campus. But Cignetti, known for his relentless work ethic and laser focus, wasted no time upending the culture. In his very first season, he steered Indiana to the College Football Playoff in 2024, even if it ended in a tough first-round loss to Notre Dame. That playoff taste, however, proved to be just the beginning.

This season, Indiana entered the playoff fray as the nation’s top-ranked team. The Hoosiers dispatched college football powerhouses Alabama and Oregon in consecutive playoff games, victories that would have seemed like fantasy to Indiana fans not so long ago. Now, with a 26-2 record under Cignetti’s stewardship, the program stands just one win away from capturing its first-ever national championship—a feat that would cement Cignetti’s status as one of the sport’s great turnaround artists.

How has Cignetti managed such a stunning transformation? Aside from his tactical acumen and recruiting prowess, there’s a quirky secret weapon fueling his daily grind: Chipotle. Yes, you read that right. According to assistant director of football operations Jake McDonald, Cignetti has eaten the exact same Chipotle burrito bowl—rice, beans, chicken, and guacamole—every single day for the past two years, unless travel has forced a rare deviation. “He just wants to be able to eat it, watch his film and go for the next game,” McDonald told the Washington Street Journal. “He’s a simple man.”

McDonald, entrusted with picking up the coach’s daily meal, has purchased an estimated 64,000 bowls for Cignetti, tallying up to about $6,400. The perks? McDonald racks up Chipotle reward points at an astonishing rate—18,529 points as of the Oregon semifinal win, enough for 11 free burritos, 37 sides of guacamole, 53 bags of chips, and a whopping 218 extra tortillas. Not a bad side benefit for a devoted assistant!

Chipotle itself has taken notice of Cignetti’s steadfast loyalty. A company spokesperson acknowledged, “We are aware of Coach Cignetti’s fandom and have been in contact with his management. Right now, it’s important that we allow him to continue focusing on his team’s ultimate goal.” There’s even talk of Cignetti receiving a coveted ‘Celebrity Card,’ a rare honor previously bestowed on the likes of rapper Big Sean and NBA star Mikal Bridges, both known for their Chipotle devotion.

But the roots of Cignetti’s dietary routine stretch back even further. During his first head coaching gig at the University of Pennsylvania some 15 years ago, he insisted on the same meal for every game day—chicken and zucchini or squash—rarely deviating except for a playoff run where steak made a surprise appearance. Former Penn punter Brett Ullman recalled, “We never ate differently except the one time we made it pretty far in the playoffs. We got steak.”

Beyond the burrito bowls and quirky habits, Cignetti’s impact on Indiana football is best measured by wins, recruiting coups, and the palpable shift in program expectations. The school’s faith in its head coach is reflected in the eight-year, $11.6 million-per-year contract extension signed on October 16, 2025. University President Pamela Whitten didn’t mince words when the deal was announced: “At Indiana University, we are committed to performing at the highest levels in everything we do, and no one has exemplified that more than Coach Cignetti. Put simply, Cig is a winner. From last year’s College Football Playoff appearance to this year’s top-3 national ranking, the IU Football program’s success has been tremendous. Curt and Manette Cignetti are home in Indiana and we are delighted that the Cignetti family will be Hoosiers for many years to come.”

Indeed, Cignetti’s record speaks volumes—26 wins against just two losses over his first two seasons. Should Indiana prevail tonight, he’ll improve to 27-2 and deliver the school’s first football national title. The turnaround is so dramatic that it’s prompted some to call it one of the greatest in college football history. The Hoosiers, once an afterthought, are now a destination for top talent.

This season’s success has been built on the arm of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who capped a stellar campaign by winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Mendoza is widely expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving a massive hole in the lineup for next year. Yet, in typical Cignetti fashion, the coach has already moved decisively to address the future. He landed former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover through the transfer portal, along with a host of other talented recruits: wide receiver Nick Marsh, running back Turbo Richard, pass rusher Chiddi Obiazor, offensive lineman Joe Brunner, cornerback A.J. Harris, pass rusher Tobi Osunsanmi, and safety Jiquan Sanks, among others. The message is clear—Indiana isn’t just a one-hit wonder. The Hoosiers are here to stay.

As for the doubters? Cignetti has silenced them at every turn. The Hoosiers’ success is no fluke, and the program’s momentum looks set to continue well beyond this season. Players want to play for Cignetti, and the Indiana faithful, once resigned to mediocrity, now dream big every fall.

Tonight’s championship game against Miami is more than just a shot at a trophy—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, bold decisions, and a relentless belief that Indiana football could matter. Whether or not the Hoosiers capture the title, Cignetti’s legacy as a program builder is secure. But don’t bet against him just yet. With his trademark burrito bowl in hand and a laser focus on victory, Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers are ready to take their shot at history. The action is set, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and an entire fanbase is holding its breath, hoping for one more magical night in Bloomington.