The confetti may have settled, but the debate is just heating up. Despite Indiana's triumph in capturing a national championship, they find themselves overshadowed by the usual powerhouses in a fresh “Top 25 College Football Programs Right Now” ranking.
Ohio State leads the pack at No. 1, with Georgia and Oregon following close behind, leaving Indiana out of the top conversation. For many, this is a surprising twist.
Championships are forever, after all. But this ranking digs deeper than history, considering recent performances, roster strength, resources, talent acquisition, and coaching stability.
In these areas, Indiana seems to trail behind the sport’s elite giants.
Programs like Alabama and Texas continue to dominate in recruiting and NIL resources. Meanwhile, Notre Dame and Michigan boast brand power and postseason consistency that go beyond a single championship run.
Indiana’s title was historic and transformative, but the ranking suggests that sustainability remains the big question. One championship doesn’t instantly outweigh years of elite infrastructure elsewhere.
For head coach Curt Cignetti, missing out on the top spot might be both a validation and a motivator. Cignetti orchestrated one of the most improbable title runs in modern college football, turning Indiana into a disciplined, confident contender in record time.
His impact was undeniable. Yet, rankings like this highlight the difference between a breakthrough and a dynasty.
Indiana’s recruiting classes, while improved, still fall short compared to perennial playoff programs. Depth remains a concern when stacked against SEC and Big Ten heavyweights.
Financial backing and NIL leverage still favor programs that have been at the top for decades.
This doesn’t take away from Indiana’s achievement. If anything, it emphasizes how extraordinary the championship was.
But in today’s competitive landscape, sustained dominance requires more than one magical season. For Cignetti, the path forward is clear: build elite recruiting classes, strengthen depth, and prove the title was just the beginning.
In college football’s hierarchy, respect isn’t just earned with one ring-it’s solidified with consistency.