Indiana’s Title Run Is More Than a Cinderella Story - It’s a Blueprint for the Rest of College Football
What Curt Cignetti just pulled off at Indiana isn’t just one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history - it’s a roadmap. A program that once held the dubious distinction of the most losses in FBS history just completed a perfect 16-0 season and hoisted a National Championship trophy.
That’s not just redemption. That’s revolution.
Cignetti’s arrival in Bloomington flipped the narrative for a team that had long been an afterthought in the Big Ten. Now, Indiana is a national champion.
And while that may sound like a one-in-a-million story, the reality is, more programs are quietly following the same path - investing in smart hires, leaning into the Transfer Portal, and embracing NIL opportunities. The Hoosiers proved it can be done.
Now, others are trying to do it too.
Here are four programs laying the foundation for their own Cignetti-style resurgence:
Oklahoma State Cowboys: New Era, New Energy
For the first time in 20 years, Oklahoma State is turning the page. After parting ways with longtime head coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys brought in Eric Morris - a name that might not be mainstream yet, but one that’s well-known in coaching circles for orchestrating the nation’s highest-scoring offense.
Morris isn’t walking into a total rebuild, either. He’s bringing some serious firepower with him to Stillwater, including Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins, and Wyatt Young. These are high-end players who can make an immediate impact, and Morris’ offensive philosophy fits perfectly with the direction of the Big 12.
It may not be a 16-0 season right out of the gate, but Oklahoma State has the tools - and now the leadership - to climb fast. The pieces are there. The question is how quickly they can gel.
Kentucky Wildcats: A Bold Move with Big Upside
Kentucky finally made the move many had anticipated for years - moving on from Mark Stoops and bringing in one of the brightest young minds in college football: Will Stein.
Stein’s offensive acumen is already making waves, and the Wildcats aren’t wasting time backing him up. They’ve been aggressive in the Transfer Portal, landing quarterback Kenny Minchey, offensive tackle Lance Heard, linebacker Elijah Barnes, and interior lineman Coleton Price. That’s a strong core to build around.
What’s more, Kentucky seems fully committed on the NIL front, signaling a shift in how seriously the program is taking its football future. If Stein can translate his offensive vision into SEC wins - and keep the recruiting momentum going - Kentucky could become a legitimate player in a conference that doesn’t wait around for rebuilds.
UCLA Bruins: Following the Formula - Literally
If anyone knows how to replicate Cignetti’s success, it might be the guy who followed him at James Madison. Bob Chesney took over the Dukes and led them to the College Football Playoff. Now, he’s making the jump to UCLA, where he’ll try to engineer another turnaround - this time on the Big Ten stage.
Chesney isn’t starting from scratch. He’s already brought in key defensive playmakers like safety Tao Johnson and linebacker Samuel Omosigho, and he’s bringing familiar faces from James Madison who know his system and culture. That kind of continuity can be a game-changer in Year 1.
UCLA is also poised to become more competitive in the NIL landscape, and Chesney’s ability to galvanize support could be the spark the Bruins need. He’s walked this path before. Now, he’s trying to do it on a bigger stage.
Virginia Tech Hokies: A Star Hire with Championship Potential
Ever since Frank Beamer retired, Virginia Tech has been searching for the right voice to lead the program back to national relevance. After a couple of misfires, they may have struck gold with James Franklin.
Franklin brings instant credibility and a proven track record. He’s a big-name hire with big-time expectations - and he’s already making his presence felt. On the recruiting trail, Franklin has assembled an impressive class in a short window, and he’s been just as aggressive in the Transfer Portal, landing talents like Luke Reynolds, Javion Hilson, and Jaquez White.
This isn’t just about returning to bowl eligibility. This is about chasing titles again. And while that level of success might not come overnight, the Hokies finally have a coach who knows what it takes to get there - and a roster that’s starting to reflect that ambition.
The Takeaway: Cignetti’s Impact Is Bigger Than Indiana
Curt Cignetti didn’t just win a title - he changed the way programs think about their ceiling. Indiana’s rise from the bottom of the FBS to the top of the college football mountain is proof that with the right coach, the right talent, and the right investment, anything is possible.
Now, other programs are taking notes. Whether it’s Oklahoma State betting on offensive firepower, Kentucky leaning into youth and innovation, UCLA doubling down on a proven formula, or Virginia Tech landing a marquee name, the message is clear: the blueprint is out there.
The next great turnaround might already be in motion.