01/17/2026
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MIAMI, FLORIDA. — Jan. 17, 2026: Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti speaks to the press during media day ahead of the CFP National Championship on January 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)
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Pizza X, Quarrymen Coffee Roasting Co., Ferguson Law, IU Credit Union, The Ken Nunn Law Office, MSI Security and Investigations, The Laundry Co., Anthony’s Lawncare, TRISTAR, Inc., and Stride Center.
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Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti met with reporters Saturday in Miami ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium, outlining what has fueled Indiana’s run and what his program’s mindset is entering Monday night.
Cignetti said Indiana’s path to the title game has been built on preparation, consistency across all three phases, and leadership in the locker room, backed by support from the university and a fan base that has followed the Hoosiers all season. “The novelty of being here, to us, isn’t there,” Cignetti said. “We’re here. We’ve got a job to do.”
He praised IU fans for traveling to major postseason stops, encouraging anyone debating the trip to make it happen: “If you’re not sure you can make it down, find a ride,” he said, adding that Indiana has the largest alumni base in America.
Cignetti also emphasized the challenge ahead against Miami on its home field, calling the Hurricanes “a big mountain” with a physical offensive line, tenacious defensive front, and playmakers throughout the lineup. He credited Indiana’s veteran roster for staying poised in high-stakes moments by focusing on “the here and now” and controlling what it can control through detailed preparation.
On roster-building, Cignetti highlighted evaluation, development, and retention as the core of his approach, downplaying recruiting “star” ratings and stressing intangibles like toughness, coachability, discipline, and decision-making. He discussed lessons learned from his time around Nick Saban, including detailed physical evaluation criteria and avoiding “fatal flaws” when projecting talent.
Cignetti also shared why quarterback Fernando Mendoza was an “easy decision,” citing prior familiarity with the family and Mendoza’s development since arriving in Bloomington. He said Mendoza has continued to improve even after winning the Heisman, but noted the focus remains on “one more to go.”
