Mike Gundy: Curt Cignetti, Indiana put pressure on other programs in NIL era with historic turnaround

Photo of Mike Gundy: © William Purnell-Imagn Images; Photo of Curt Cignetti: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In just two years, Curt Cignetti transformed Indiana from a three-win program to a national champion. It was a historic turnaround – one Mike Gundy thinks will put pressure on other coaches around the country in the NIL and transfer portal era.

Gundy said he was “shocked” Indiana was able to win its first-ever national title. But he credited the job Cignetti did upon his arrival in 2024 to set the tone and establish his culture with players who joined him from James Madison. From there, players such as Fernando Mendoza led the championship run.

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But while Cignetti and Indiana made history, Gundy said the championship turnaround could create pressure at other programs for a similar fate. The portal allows coaches to flip rosters quicker, which is why Gundy wondered if athletics departments and donors will expect similar results as Indiana.

“This era that we’re in in college football that we’re talking about is allowing this to happen,” . “What Coach [Cignetti] did at Indiana was amazing from the standpoint that he brought a number of players from James Madison. They instilled his culture that he believed in. He hit a home run with Mendoza. Brings Mendoza in, Mendoza plays like Superman throughout the year and had great work habits, great leadership. He was tough, stayed off social media and was all about ball.