Curt Cignetti’s first season at the helm of Indiana football didn’t just exceed expectations - it shattered them. Two years ago, the Hoosiers were a program adrift. Today, they’re National Champions, and Cignetti is at the center of one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent college football history.
From the moment he stepped onto the podium and declared, “I win. Google me,” Cignetti made it clear he wasn’t coming to Bloomington to blend in.
He came to change the narrative - and that’s exactly what he’s done. His no-nonsense approach, fiery sideline demeanor, and unapologetic confidence have made him a fan favorite not just in Indiana, but across the college football landscape.
And now, he’s winning over Iowa fans too - thanks to a little end-of-season respect.
In his final Top 25 rankings for the 2025 season, Cignetti slotted Iowa at No. 11 - a bold placement considering most final polls had the Hawkeyes somewhere in the low-to-mid 20s, if they were ranked at all. But for anyone who followed Iowa’s season closely, Cignetti’s nod makes a lot of sense.
Let’s not forget: Indiana’s title run included a nail-biting win in Iowa City last September. The Hoosiers barely escaped Kinnick Stadium with a victory, and that game clearly left an impression on Cignetti. He saw firsthand what Iowa brought to the table - a physical, disciplined team that gave his squad all it could handle.
Cignetti’s No. 11 ranking isn’t just a number; it’s a statement. It’s recognition of a Hawkeyes team that quietly put together a strong campaign despite falling just short of the College Football Playoff.
Iowa lost four games this past season - all to ranked opponents, and all by a combined total of just 15 points. That’s not a team that got outclassed.
That’s a team that was a few plays away from crashing the CFP party.
And while the Hawkeyes didn’t get that elusive playoff berth, they closed the season with a statement win over Vanderbilt - another team that had been in the playoff conversation. That victory was more than just a nice sendoff; it was a reminder of what Iowa is capable of when they’re clicking.
Cignetti’s ranking serves as a subtle but powerful endorsement. In a sport where perception often shapes reality, having a National Championship-winning coach put Iowa just outside the top 10 carries weight. It’s a message to the rest of the country: overlook the Hawkeyes at your own risk.
So while Indiana celebrates its title and Cignetti cements his place among the elite, Iowa fans have every reason to feel optimistic. They earned the respect of one of the sharpest minds in the game - and in college football, that kind of respect doesn’t come easy.