Indiana Football’s Revival: Curt Cignetti Leverages NIL for Success

Curt Cignetti revitalizes Indiana football with NIL support, attracting top transfers and building a competitive roster that’s led the Hoosiers to an impressive 8-0 start.

Oct 5, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti looks on from the sidelines against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images

Curt Cignetti’s arrival at Indiana has brought new energy, ambition, and, most importantly, a dramatic turnaround in the football program, mainly due to his use of the transformative power of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities. The Indiana Hoosier program, which had long struggled to compete in the Big Ten, now sees an influx of talent that wasn’t possible in previous years. This talent surge can be attributed to Cignetti’s forward-thinking approach and his skillful use of NIL to build a competitive roster nearly from scratch.

Since taking the reins, Cignetti has welcomed a staggering 31 transfers. Key players like quarterback Kurtis Rourke from Ohio, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds from James Madison, and defensive tackle CJ West from Kent State are just a few names that highlight Cignetti’s success in identifying and attracting talent. Combined with Indiana mainstays, such as leading receiver Donaven McCulley and left tackle Carter Smith, the Hoosiers have made a formidable team with depth and capability across positions.

During an offseason interview on Next Up with Adam Breneman, Cignetti shared his thoughts on the NIL impact at Indiana, calling it a “really good” boost and adding, “It’s a lot more than what I was promised.” This additional support has been pivotal, allowing Indiana to secure commitments from high-level transfers and talent that, in the past, might have chosen other Power 4 programs.

Cignetti’s recruiting philosophy reflects the shifting landscape of college football, one where coaches must be agile and embrace the transfer portal as a primary resource. “I think you always want to sign 15 to 20 high school kids,” he said. “But you can’t say that we’re going to do it with high school kids because they may leave. It’s free agency.” The results have validated this approach, with Indiana boasting one of the most impactful transfer classes in the country.

Indiana has become a model of how a mid-tier program can elevate itself using NIL. For years, the Hoosiers have struggled to stay competitive within the Big Ten, a conference known for powerhouse programs like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, and Penn State Nittany Lions. But with Cignetti’s guidance and strategic use of NIL, Indiana is now starting to play a different game. The team’s resurgence is evident on the field, with a roster that has dominated its way to an 8-0 start, the Hoosiers' best since 1957.

In Cignetti, Indiana has found a leader who’s not only willing to embrace the changes NIL has brought to college football but who is also ready to harness them to transform Indiana’s fortunes. While many coaches have constantly complained or retired due to the shifting landscape, Cignetti's vision and an expanded NIL pool have given Indiana football a new direction and hope for sustained success. For Hoosier fans, the future looks brighter, fueled by a modern approach to recruitment and a commitment to turning Indiana into a respected contender on the gridiron.