The Always College Football podcast with Greg McElroy recently welcomed Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti for a compelling discussion about the Hoosiers’ rising football program, the broader implications of Notre Dame’s scheduling decisions, and whether Nebraska is being unfairly criticized amid recent coaching news.
Fresh off leading James Madison to a College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance and a program-record 11-win season, Cignetti didn’t hesitate to share his vision for Indiana. Now at the helm of the Hoosiers, he credited the university’s renewed commitment to football as a key reason for taking the job. “Indiana showed they were serious about building something sustainable. That mattered to me,” Cignetti told McElroy.
When asked about his approach to roster building in the transfer portal era, Cignetti emphasized production over potential. “I want guys who have done it on the field, not just look the part,” he said. He explained that experience and proven performance are what he values most when evaluating transfer talent. With Indiana aiming to contend in a rapidly evolving Big Ten, Cignetti’s strategic mindset could be just what the program needs to turn the corner.
Another topic of interest was the upcoming changes to the CFP selection process. Cignetti believes the tweaks could level the playing field for programs like Indiana. “You’ve got to be ready when your time comes,” he noted, suggesting that increased playoff access will reward disciplined, well-run teams—something he plans to build in Bloomington.
McElroy and Cignetti also looked ahead to the 2025 season, discussing expectations for the Hoosiers and how they plan to stand out in a stacked conference that now includes USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. Cignetti made it clear: the foundation is being laid for Indiana to not only compete, but to win.
Shifting gears, McElroy addressed the recent situation at Nebraska, where some believe the program is being unfairly scrutinized following the suspension of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore. With Nebraska seeking a return to national relevance under Matt Rhule, some fans and analysts feel the Cornhuskers aren’t being given the respect they deserve in comparison to other historic programs. McElroy explored whether this is a case of bias, or simply a product of recent performance.
Finally, the episode closed with a breakdown of the recently announced Notre Dame vs. Clemson home-and-home series. Slated to begin in the coming seasons, the series is expected to carry massive implications—not only for the Fighting Irish’s CFP hopes but also for the ACC as a whole. McElroy noted that high-profile matchups like these will continue to shape public perception and selection committee decisions, especially in the expanded 12-team playoff era.
Overall, the episode was packed with insight, strong opinions, and intriguing predictions for the future of college football. From Indiana’s potential breakout to lingering questions around Nebraska and Notre Dame’s strategic scheduling, McElroy provided fans with a lot to consider as the 2025 season approaches.
