Curt Cignetti’s first season at Indiana has been nothing short of remarkable-and now, he's being recognized on a national stage. The Hoosiers’ head coach has been named a finalist for The Dodd Trophy, an award that honors more than just wins and losses. It recognizes the coach who best embodies success on the field while also prioritizing scholarship, leadership, and integrity.
Cignetti is in elite company. The other finalists include Ryan Day (Ohio State), Kirby Smart (Georgia), Joey McGuire (Texas Tech), and Clark Lea (Vanderbilt). But when you line up the resumes, one name stands out-and it’s the one wearing crimson and cream.
Let’s talk about what Cignetti has done this year. He’s not just the only undefeated coach among the finalists-he’s done it with Indiana.
That’s right, the Hoosiers are 13-0, Big Ten Champions, and the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff. This isn’t just a good season-it’s a historic one.
Indiana football has never reached these heights, and Cignetti has them soaring into uncharted territory.
To get here, Indiana had to go through some of the nation’s best. They took down Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship, handing the perennial powerhouse its only loss of the season.
That alone is a statement. But it wasn’t just one game-Cignetti’s squad has been consistent, disciplined, and resilient all year long.
Compare that to the other finalists:
- Ryan Day led Ohio State to a 12-1 record and a runner-up finish in the Big Ten.
- Kirby Smart guided Georgia to a 12-1 mark and an SEC title after beating Alabama.
- Joey McGuire has Texas Tech at 12-1 with a Big 12 Championship under his belt.
- Clark Lea turned heads with a 10-2 season at Vanderbilt, even though the Commodores didn’t make it to a conference title game.
All impressive seasons-but none quite like what Cignetti has pulled off in Bloomington.
The Dodd Trophy isn’t just about racking up wins. It’s about doing it the right way.
It’s about building a program that values academics and character as much as touchdowns and trophies. And by all accounts, Cignetti has brought that full package to Indiana.
He’s changed the culture, elevated expectations, and done it all with integrity.
The winner of the Dodd Trophy will be announced during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. But for now, fan voting is open until December 21, and it’s safe to say Hoosier Nation has plenty to cheer about.
As for what’s next on the field, Indiana has earned a first-round bye in the expanded College Football Playoff. They’ll face the winner of No.
9 Alabama vs. No.
8 Oklahoma-two bluebloods with playoff pedigree-on January 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
It’s a new year on the horizon, and Indiana football is right in the middle of it. Thanks to Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers aren’t just part of the conversation-they’re leading it.