Inside Curt Cignetti’s Chipotle-Fueled Rise at Indiana: Routine, Relentlessness, and a National Title Shot
Curt Cignetti has always been about the process. From his time under Nick Saban at Alabama to his current post at Indiana, Cignetti’s rise through the college football ranks has been built on discipline, structure, and a laser focus on football. Now, in just his first season leading the Hoosiers, he’s taken a program long considered an afterthought and put it on the doorstep of a national championship.
And if you ask those around him, they’ll tell you: nothing about this run has been accidental. It’s all part of the routine - right down to his daily lunch order.
One Man, One Meal, Every Day
Cignetti eats the same thing every single day. No, seriously.
A Chipotle burrito bowl - rice, beans, no extras - with a side of guacamole. That’s it.
No frills, no substitutions, no deviations. Just fuel for the fire.
It’s not some quirky superstition or a marketing gimmick. It’s about efficiency.
Cignetti believes that eliminating unnecessary decisions from his day creates more space for what really matters: football. That kind of single-minded focus is exactly what’s turned Indiana into one of the most surprising stories in college football this season.
“He just wants to be able to eat it, watch his film and get ready for the next game,” said Jake McDonald, Indiana’s assistant director of football operations - and the man tasked with securing Cignetti’s daily burrito bowl. “He’s a simple man.”
Burrito Points and Playoff Wins
McDonald’s role as the unofficial Chipotle courier has had its perks. Over the past two seasons, he racked up a staggering 64,000 Chipotle rewards points - roughly the equivalent of $6,400 in burrito bowls - before learning the hard way that the points reset annually.
After Indiana’s College Football Playoff semifinal win over Oregon, McDonald’s balance had dipped to 18,529 points. Still, not a bad haul - enough for 11 free burritos, 37 sides of guac, 53 bags of chips, or 218 extra tortillas. That’s the kind of stat line that would make any college student jealous.
But more than the points, what stands out is how this ritual has become part of the program’s culture. Just like film sessions and practice schedules, the daily Chipotle run is now woven into the fabric of Indiana football.
A Routine That’s Paying Off
Cignetti’s relentless adherence to routine isn’t just a personality quirk - it’s a philosophy. And it’s working.
Indiana is preparing to play in its first-ever national championship game, facing off against Miami on Monday night. It’s a moment that would’ve seemed impossible not long ago.
But under Cignetti, the Hoosiers have found their identity - tough, consistent, and unshakably focused.
And yes, Chipotle knows about it.
The company has a “Celebrity Card” program that offers free daily meals to select superfans - a list that’s previously included the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, rapper Big Sean, and NBA guard Mikal Bridges. According to a Chipotle spokesperson, they’ve been in touch with Cignetti’s team.
“We are aware of Coach Cignetti’s fandom and have been in contact with his management,” the spokesperson said. “Right now, it’s important that we allow him to continue focusing on his team’s ultimate goal.”
That goal? Bringing a national title to Bloomington.
A Dynasty in the Making?
It’s too early to crown Indiana as college football’s next powerhouse, but the foundation is there. Cignetti’s no-nonsense approach, his commitment to routine, and his ability to get the most out of his team have already produced one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent memory.
If Monday night goes their way, Indiana could be looking at more than just a championship - they could be looking at the beginning of something much bigger.
And somewhere in the middle of it all, there’s a burrito bowl. Rice.
Beans. Guac on the side.
Just the way Coach likes it.