With the Big Ten Championship looming, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti isn’t just focused on his own locker room - he’s also tipping his cap to the powerhouse on the other sideline. As the No. 2 Hoosiers prepare to face top-ranked Ohio State this Saturday, Cignetti made it clear in back-to-back media sessions that he has deep respect for what the Buckeyes are bringing to the table.
Speaking to reporters on both Sunday and Monday, Cignetti didn’t mince words when it came to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “Ryan Day is a great coach,” he said.
“He’ll be one of the legends of the game someday.” That’s not just coach-speak - it’s a nod to what Day has built in Columbus: a consistent, high-powered program that’s been a fixture in the national title conversation year in and year out.
But it wasn’t just Day who earned praise. Cignetti also had plenty to say about Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin, a young signal-caller who’s been turning heads all season. Despite being in his first year as a starter, Sayin’s composure and execution have stood out on tape.
“Yeah, he plays with a lot of poise,” Cignetti said. “He doesn’t look like a guy that’s in his first year as a starter.”
That’s high praise coming from a coach who’s spent decades evaluating quarterbacks. And it’s not just Sayin’s poise that impressed Cignetti - it’s the full package.
“He looks like he sees the field very well, throws the ball on rhythm. He can really rip it,” Cignetti continued. “He’s got a tight release, a lot of velocity on the ball, very accurate.”
For Indiana’s defense, that means preparing for a quarterback who not only understands the timing and flow of the offense, but also has the physical tools to make every throw on the field. Add in a clean pocket and a deep group of weapons, and it’s easy to see why Sayin has been so effective.
“They’ve done a nice job protecting him, and obviously he’s got great weapons to throw to,” Cignetti said.
That combination - elite coaching, a poised young quarterback, and a loaded supporting cast - is exactly what Indiana will be up against in the Big Ten title game. And while Cignetti is clearly locked in on getting his team ready for the challenge, he’s also giving credit where it’s due.
The respect is mutual between these two programs, but make no mistake: once Saturday rolls around, it’s all business. Indiana’s got its eyes on a Big Ten crown, and they know the road runs through one of the most complete teams in the country.