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Is Indiana's dominance sustainable going forward?
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:47 pm
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:47 pm
I think everyone here can agree that what Cignetti has done these past 2 seasons is absolutely amazing. 2 straight playoff appearances. Heisman winner. They have a really good chance at winning it all this year. Is this type of success what we can expect from them going forward, or are they just destined to revert back to the mean.
Historically, they have a record of 508-691. Since joining the Big 10 in the 50s, this season was only the 2nd time they have ever won the conference. Their fanbase has never cared about football. Will they have a large enough booster buy-in to carry the program forward.
Recruiting wise, 2026 will be the first time in Cignetti's tenure that they have had a top 20 overall(freshman & portal) recruiting class, according to 247. Still no 5-star guys. Cignetti is a great coach, but just for how long can he rely purely on "diamond in the rough" guys.
Historically, they have a record of 508-691. Since joining the Big 10 in the 50s, this season was only the 2nd time they have ever won the conference. Their fanbase has never cared about football. Will they have a large enough booster buy-in to carry the program forward.
Recruiting wise, 2026 will be the first time in Cignetti's tenure that they have had a top 20 overall(freshman & portal) recruiting class, according to 247. Still no 5-star guys. Cignetti is a great coach, but just for how long can he rely purely on "diamond in the rough" guys.
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Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:48 pm to QJenk
They are loading up in the portal. That's clearly their strategy. I have no idea if it's sustainable or not, but they are spending top level money and bringing in top talent in the portal.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:49 pm to QJenk
he’s the best coach in the game and is out for blood. They won’t dominate like they have, but they’re going to be a major player while he is there and maybe beyond if they promote one of his protégés.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:51 pm to QJenk
I think next year will be really telling about the longer term.
He had a good bit back from last season and upgraded at QB. This year they are losing a ton. He has proven to be damn good at coaching them up and getting these kids to believe they are the best and should play like it.
He had a good bit back from last season and upgraded at QB. This year they are losing a ton. He has proven to be damn good at coaching them up and getting these kids to believe they are the best and should play like it.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:52 pm to QJenk
Having a good coach is increasingly important in todays CFB landscape. Teams can't just stockpile talent to make up for actual coaching deficiencies like they could 10 years ago.
Having a good coach is more important in today's game.
So yes IU can keep it up with Cig around.
Having a good coach is more important in today's game.
So yes IU can keep it up with Cig around.
This post was edited on 1/9/26 at 12:53 pm
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:53 pm to QJenk
good coach + Good OL + Good DL = success at any level
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:53 pm to QJenk
Will be interesting to see how they handle complacency on top of the mountain.
Saban always said staying at the top was harder than getting there
Saban always said staying at the top was harder than getting there
Posted on 1/9/26 at 12:55 pm to QJenk
Indiana is going to have alumni lining up to spend money now
Posted on 1/9/26 at 1:00 pm to QJenk
Absolutely.
Any program with a billionaire(s) backer will be able to compete at the highest level, as long as they are willing to back that program.
Any program with a billionaire(s) backer will be able to compete at the highest level, as long as they are willing to back that program.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 1:10 pm to QJenk
This year's team is extremely old & experienced, so it might not come without some hiccups. But as long as their talent evals are great and the donor bucks keep flowing, I imagine they'll be really good.
This post was edited on 1/9/26 at 1:13 pm
Posted on 1/9/26 at 1:18 pm to usc6158
quote:this doesn't apply to their current team
spending top level money and bringing in top talent in the portal.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 1:19 pm to QJenk
Relying on the transfer portal will eventually bite them in the arse. When some high priced guys don’t pan out it’ll create culture issues. This will be their last playoff run with Cig.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:08 pm to RoyalWilliams
News flash every team relies on the portal now.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:09 pm to QJenk
Yes.
Josh Hoover will be damn good for them, if he can cut down on the turnovers.
Josh Hoover will be damn good for them, if he can cut down on the turnovers.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:16 pm to QJenk
If you're a top recruit that is serious about development and success at the next level you would be a moron not to give them a serious look as long as that staff is still together.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:21 pm to QJenk
The average age of Indiana players is 23.
They clearly load up on portal guys who have played 2-3 years and take some HS guys to develop but they want experienced guys to take advantage of younger players even if they are studs.
They clearly load up on portal guys who have played 2-3 years and take some HS guys to develop but they want experienced guys to take advantage of younger players even if they are studs.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:37 pm to KTrain915
They have no 5-starts and three 4-star high school recruits coming in next year, coming off a playoff season. Most teams competing for the title don’t rely on the portal like that.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:38 pm to QJenk
As long as Mark Cuban wants to bankroll them they will be able to compete.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:39 pm to QJenk
quote:
Historically, they have a record of 508-691. Since joining the Big 10 in the 50s, this season was only the 2nd time they have ever won the conference. Their fanbase has never cared about football.
In the new era of college football, this means nothing.
Posted on 1/9/26 at 2:55 pm to QJenk
quote:
Is Indiana's dominance sustainable going forward?
Depends on the QB, Clemson looked damn near unstoppable until they trotted out DJ Ukelele then the wheels completely fell off for the program.
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