Indiana’s rise in college football is nothing short of astonishing. After struggling with a 3-24 record in Big Ten play, head coach Curt Cignetti turned things around. With a 26-2 record, including wins against powerhouse teams like Alabama and Oregon, Indiana has transformed from a bottom-tier team to a national championship contender. This quick success has fans everywhere asking, “If Indiana can do it, why can’t we?”
A general manager from a Power 4 team shared with The Athletic that fans expect victories right away. The pressure to succeed in college football is higher than ever. Cignetti himself acknowledged the challenge in balancing transferring players with high school recruits. “You’ve got to put together a team ready to compete for championships every year,” he said. That thought raises concerns for coaches at other storied programs like Florida and LSU, who might feel the heat as well.
The current college football landscape allows for faster turnarounds than in the past. Coaches now can reshape their teams quickly, thanks to the transfer portal. Cignetti brought a range of talent from his previous job, which wouldn’t have been possible under older rules. For context, players used to sit out a year after transferring; now they can jump right in. This shift has spread talent across more teams, making it more competitive. Between 2021 and 2023, 11 schools filled 12 spots in College Football Playoff semifinals.
But with all this change, some fans struggle to adapt. An athletic director remarked that Indiana’s success contributes to a sense of entitlement among fans, who think they can buy a championship with a few high-profile transfers. The reality is that only one team can win a championship at a time, leading to disappointment for many.
Interestingly, Indiana’s growth isn’t just about player talent. Their football spending has skyrocketed from about $24 million in 2021 to over $61 million last year—doubling their budget and surpassing the Big Ten average. This shift reflects a newfound commitment to football, making them a more attractive program for top talent.
Experts believe Indiana may have invested over $20 million in its roster, driven in part by the arrival of star players like Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This spending trend seems likely to continue, given the impressive transfers lined up for the next season.
In today’s world, what constitutes a “great job” in college football has also changed. Coaches now prioritize financial backing over traditional factors like facilities or past successes. During recent coaching searches, it has become apparent that programs with deep pockets are more appealing.
Interestingly, while Indiana’s success is remarkable, it raises questions about how other teams will react. Will they adapt, or will they cling to outdated views of what it takes to succeed? Coaches now face the challenge of navigating a landscape where resources and commitment play huge roles.
As Cignetti put it, “You’ve got to adapt, improvise, and be light on your feet if you’re going to survive.” In the rapidly changing world of college football, those who can keep up may find themselves on the path to success.
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Indiana Hoosiers, College Football, Sports Business
