The confetti has settled, but the debate is far from over. Indiana's recent national championship victory hasn't vaulted them to the top of the latest "Top 25 College Football Programs Right Now" rankings.
Instead, traditional powerhouses like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Bulldogs, and Oregon Ducks occupy the top spots, leaving Indiana further down the list. For many fans, this might come as a surprise.
After all, championships are supposed to elevate a program's status. However, this ranking isn't just about history; it evaluates recent performances, roster strength, resources, talent acquisition, and coaching stability.
In these areas, Indiana still lags behind the sport's established giants.
Programs like Alabama and Texas continue to dominate in recruiting and NIL resources, while Notre Dame and Michigan maintain their brand power and postseason consistency beyond a single championship run. Indiana's title was historic and transformative, yet the ranking suggests that sustainability is still a question mark. One championship, it seems, doesn’t immediately outweigh years of elite infrastructure elsewhere.
For head coach Curt Cignetti, missing out on the top spot could serve as both validation and motivation. Cignetti orchestrated one of the most remarkable title runs in modern college football, turning Indiana into a disciplined and confident contender in record time.
His cultural impact on the team was undeniable. However, rankings like these highlight the gap between a breakthrough season and establishing a dynasty.
The Hoosiers' recruiting classes, although improved, still trail behind perennial playoff contenders. Depth remains a concern compared to the heavyweights of the SEC and Big Ten. Financial backing and NIL leverage, crucial in today's game, still favor programs with decades of top-tier operation.
This doesn't take away from Indiana's achievement. If anything, it emphasizes how extraordinary their championship was.
Yet, in the competitive landscape of college football, sustained dominance requires more than just one magical season. For Cignetti, the path forward is clear: build elite recruiting classes, strengthen depth, and prove that the title was the beginning of a new era, not just a high point.
In the hierarchy of college football, respect is earned not just with a single ring, but with consistent excellence.