Curt Cignetti Balances Respect and Rivalry with Notre Dame

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti has recently become a topic of discussion due to his candid remarks about Notre Dame. Although he claimed to never have watched the movie Rudy, he further stated that he has no intention of seeing it because he “hates Notre Dame.” This comment arises amidst a promising period for Indiana football, particularly after they secured a national championship.

Curt Cignetti’s Coaches Poll Rankings

Cignetti’s respect for Notre Dame is evident in his final ballot for the 2025 Coaches Poll. Released earlier this month, the poll showcased Indiana’s head coach ranking the Fighting Irish seventh overall, the highest of any participating coach. This contrasts with Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman, who placed his team ninth.

Final Coaches Poll Rankings

• 1. Indiana
• 2. Miami
• 3. Oregon
• 4. Ole Miss
• 5. Ohio State
• 6. Georgia
• 7. Notre Dame
• 8. Texas
• 9. Texas A&M
• 10. Texas Tech
• 11. Iowa
• 12. Alabama
• 13. Oklahoma
• 14. BYU
• 15. Utah
• 16. Illinois
• 17. Michigan
• 18. Washington
• 19. Vanderbilt
• 20. TCU
• 21. USC
• 22. SMU
• 23. Arizona
• 24. Houston
• 25. James Madison

Impact of Indiana’s Success on Notre Dame

Indiana’s recent national championship victory adds pressure on Notre Dame to follow suit. The two universities are geographically close, with Bloomington located approximately 200 miles from South Bend. This proximity amplifies local fan sentiments.

Many Notre Dame supporters are frustrated by Indiana’s rise, especially considering Cignetti’s past comments before their team met last season. However, this success could motivate Notre Dame to enhance its football program and strive for a long-awaited championship.

The prospect of Indiana’s achievement inspires hope for Notre Dame fans. If Indiana can ascend to the heights of college football, there should be no barriers for Notre Dame to do the same.

Future Aspirations

As excitement surrounds Indiana’s championship win, fans are encouraged to look forward to the possibility of future stars like CJ Carr or head coach Marcus Freeman featuring on iconic sports magazines, reminiscent of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.

As the college football landscape evolves, the dynamics between teams like Indiana and Notre Dame will continue to influence the narratives surrounding both programs.