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2w ago

Curt Cignetti Declares Big Ten Best and Takes a Shot at the SEC

His comments at Big Ten Media Days signal confidence for Indiana’s title defense and sharpen an ongoing conference rivalry.

Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti was his usual confident self during the Big Ten's media days in Chicago, on Thursday.
A fired up Curt Cignetti addresses the Hoosiers prior to the start of the College Football Playoff title game on January 19.
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Cignetti Calls His Shot (Again); Michigan Turns Page: 4 Takeaways From Big Ten Media Days

Overview

  • Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told reporters Thursday at Big Ten Media Days that “the Big Ten is the best league in football” and added “we don’t cry a river, whine and complain,” remarks widely read as a jab at the SEC.
  • The Hoosiers are shifting from celebration to preparation for the 2026 season after their 16-0 national title, and Cignetti framed his message as a warning against complacency.
  • Indiana faces substantial roster turnover after multiple NFL departures and has taken heavy advantage of the transfer portal, including new starting quarterback Josh Hoover from TCU.
  • The 2026 schedule presents clear tests with road trips to Nebraska, Michigan and Washington plus home games against Ohio State and USC, a slate observers say will measure whether Indiana can sustain its rise.
  • Cignetti’s remarks have prompted brisk media and fan reaction and feed a larger story about the Big Ten’s three straight CFP champions and how the expanded playoff, transfer portal and NIL are reshaping conference balance.