What does Indiana football's Curt Cignetti think about CFP expansion

TL;DR

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti is not engaging in the debate over College Football Playoff expansion, stating he prefers to focus on aspects he can control.

Key points

Curt Cignetti is the Indiana football coach.
He is not engaging in the CFP expansion debate.
Cignetti led his team to a 16-0 record, a first since 1894.

Mentioned in this story

Curt Cignetti

Indiana football

What does Indiana football's Curt Cignetti think about CFP expansion

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti is staying on the sidelines in the debate over expanding the College Football Playoff.

While Cignetti has fresh perspective on the topic as the first team to go 16-0 since Yale in 1894, he's leaving those discussions up to college football's power brokers.

"I don't direct my attention to things I really have no control of," Cignetti said before speaking in Carmel on Thursday night.

More: ‘Legendary story.’ Trump praises Indiana football’s historic 16-0 season

The proposal to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams has gained additional support in recent weeks with the ACC and Big 12 jumping on board. The American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) also threw its support of expanding the Playoff field. The AFCA recommended eliminating conference championship games and completing the season by the second Monday in January.

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti initially floated the idea ahead of the 2025 season as the Power Four conferences debated the future of the Playoffs. The CFP will stick with the current 12-team format for the 2026 season, but talks are ongoing over future expansion.

The topic has been front and center at the various spring meetings taking place this month. The annual sit downs for each conference bring together coaches, athletic directors and university presidents to discuss current issues. The SEC is set to met in Destin on May 26 as they have yet to publicly support a 24-team format.

"Tony is a big proponent of 24. I support Tony," Cignetti said. "He's done a great job with our conference moving forward. We continue to expand and get better. And so whatever it is, it is."

Cignetti's view puts him in lockstep with his own athletic director Scott Dolson, who has also been supportive of Petitti's approach on expansion. The conferences have plenty of time to unite behind the 24-team format with ESPN, the CFP's broadcast partner, previously to make any changes.

Q&A

What is Curt Cignetti's stance on College Football Playoff expansion?

Curt Cignetti is not participating in the debate over College Football Playoff expansion and prefers to focus on what he can control.

Why is Curt Cignetti's perspective on CFP expansion considered fresh?

Cignetti's perspective is considered fresh because he is the first coach to lead a team to a 16-0 record since Yale in 1894.

What did Curt Cignetti say during his speech in Carmel?

During his speech in Carmel, Cignetti emphasized that he does not direct his attention to matters beyond his control, such as CFP expansion.