Cignetti vows to guard against complacency as Indiana defends national title

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, credited with reviving a program that posted a 9-27 record before his tenure, insists the Hoosiers must "stalk complacency" as they embark on a title-defense campaign. After steering the team to College Football Playoff spots in his first two seasons and a 2025 national championship, Cignetti now faces the departure of Heisman Trophy quarterback Fernando Mendoza, drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.

The roster has been replenished with 18 transfer players, notably former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and ex-Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh, while recent verbal commitments add five-star receiver Monshun Sales and quarterback Lukas Prock. Defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker describes the shift from being hunted to hunting, emphasizing a predator mindset in preparation. A preseason poll of Big Ten reporters places Indiana third in the conference, trailing Ohio State and Oregon, highlighting the competitive challenge ahead.