CHICAGO - Tony Petitti didn’t hide how he feels about Indiana’s rise.
The Big Ten commissioner opened Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday at the Hilton Chicago by talking up the Hoosiers’ 2025 national championship run and the way Curt Cignetti’s program got there. For Petitti, the story started before the title season ever kicked off - back in 2024, when Indiana’s early results hinted at something bigger.
“You sort of saw it right away in the start of that first season (2024) when the winning started," Petitti said. "I think there was skepticism about lots of things around Indiana and their first year when they went to Notre Dame and played a tough - they lost to a team that made the final, and I think that somehow that season was sort of looked at in a way that wasn't respectful in terms of how good that football team was."
Petitti said the Hoosiers answered that doubt by taking the next step in a major way. He pointed to last season’s undefeated championship run, along with the schedule and postseason path that came with it.
"You saw them double down and come out and do what they did last year," Petitti said, "going through a difficult schedule and an incredible postseason run and the way they played and dominated across most of the games they played."
The commissioner also made clear that Indiana’s success reflects on the people running the program, especially athletic director Scott Dolson, who hired Cignetti in late 2023. Petitti said Dolson’s reputation around the league is strong because of the way he works with others and the way he represents Indiana.
"I think everybody will tell you in the Big Ten, all the people that get to work with Scott (Dolson), he's tremendous to work with," Petitti said. "He's collaborative.
He cares deeply about the entire league. He fights hard for Indiana."
He added: "We're obviously really extremely happy for the way it's worked out there and the quality of player and the program and the reaction. More importantly, the reaction from the fans and just what that is now on a Saturday at Indiana. It's just absolutely great."
Petitti also placed Indiana’s breakthrough in the larger Big Ten picture. The conference has won the last three College Football Playoff national championships, and the Hoosiers are now part of that run of success.
"I think Cig is unique in terms of what his focus is," Petitti said. "I think obviously the decision to bring Cig into the league has been something that you just can't imagine this when this hire was made and the success."
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