Curt Cignetti Secures $92.8 Million Deal with Indiana

Indiana University’s football program has made significant strides, moving from mediocrity to a national championship contender. This transformation can be attributed to head coach Curt Cignetti, who recently secured an impressive eight-year contract extension valued at $92.8 million.

Curt Cignetti’s Eight-Year, $92.8 Million Deal

Announced on Thursday, the contract extension prevents Cignetti from potentially leaving Indiana to fill the vacancy at Penn State. Cignetti’s contract now places him as the third-highest-paid college football coach in the United States, following Kirby Smart of Georgia and Ryan Day of Ohio State.

Rapid Success at Indiana

Taking the reins in 2024 after his successful tenure at James Madison, Cignetti swiftly elevated the team’s performance. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers improved from a 3-9 record to an impressive 11-2, which included a trip to the College Football Playoff.

This season has seen the Hoosiers maintain a flawless 6-0 record, currently ranked No. 3 nationally following a significant road victory against Oregon on October 11, 2025. Indiana’s president, Pamela Whitten, praised Cignetti’s contributions, emphasizing his role in the program’s success.

Impressive Achievements and Future Prospects

• Last season, Indiana started with ten consecutive victories.
• The team faced Ohio State in their first loss and was eliminated by Notre Dame in the playoff’s first round.
• This year’s remaining schedule includes matches against notable opponents such as Michigan State, UCLA, and Penn State.

Cignetti’s guidance has also propelled transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza into the spotlight. Mendoza has thrown for 1,423 yards, registering 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions so far this season, positioning him as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

With Cignetti committed to the Hoosiers for the foreseeable future, Indiana’s football program is poised for continued excellence.