When Indiana University hired Curt Cignetti to take over its struggling football program, there was cautious optimism. After all, Cignetti wasn’t just a fresh face—he was a proven winner. With over 100 career victories and a near-spotless record at James Madison, he was hailed as the man who could finally pull Indiana out of the quicksand of the Big Ten basement.
But fast-forward to the 2025 offseason, and the mood in Bloomington is already shifting from hopeful to skeptical. As spring practices wrapped and the depth chart took shape, a growing chorus of fans began to ask: Is this really going to be any different? Or are we witnessing the same old Indiana in a new disguise?
Familiar Patterns, Familiar Problems
At first glance, Cignetti’s approach seems refreshingly tough. He’s instilled a hard-nosed culture, demanding discipline, physicality, and accountability. But look a little deeper, and some troubling echoes of the past remain.
The Hoosiers’ offensive strategy, despite a new playbook, looks eerily similar to the conservative, risk-averse schemes that plagued the team under Tom Allen. Intra-squad scrimmages revealed a continued struggle to move the ball consistently, particularly on third downs. The quarterback situation remains murky, with transfer Kurtis Rourke looking solid but unspectacular. The running game is still a question mark, and the offensive line—once again—looks outmatched against elite Big Ten defenses.
Fans have noticed. Message boards, podcasts, and Twitter (or X) are lighting up with concerns that this “new era” may already be falling into old habits.
Cignetti’s Calculated Gamble
To be fair, Cignetti isn’t pretending to have a magic wand. He’s working with a roster ravaged by the transfer portal and years of recruiting inconsistency. But his decision to rely heavily on transfers from Group of Five programs, rather than chasing blue-chip talent or proven Power Five stars, is raising eyebrows.
“There’s a sense that we’re plugging holes instead of building a foundation,” said longtime Indiana fan and blogger Marcus Devine. “I like Cignetti’s attitude, but attitude won’t beat Michigan or Penn State.”
And therein lies the concern. Indiana fans aren’t expecting a playoff run—but they are expecting visible progress. And for some, that’s not yet happening.
Is the Game Plan Too Safe?
Critics argue that Cignetti’s game plan feels “safe”—too much ground-and-pound, not enough creativity. In an age of explosive offenses and aggressive play-calling, Indiana can’t afford to play not to lose. It must start taking risks if it wants to disrupt the Big Ten hierarchy.
“There’s a time for ball control,” said analyst Jay Pritchard, “but if you don’t have the horses to dominate up front, you’ve got to scheme your way to wins. So far, I’m not seeing that from Indiana.”
What’s Next for the Hoosiers?
There’s still time. Fall camp could unlock hidden gems, the offense might click under pressure, and Cignetti’s culture shift could slowly take root. But as August approaches, Indiana fans aren’t just watching—they’re judging.
Because after years of false starts, moral victories, and “almost” seasons, one truth remains: Hoosier Nation isn’t asking for miracles. They’re just tired of déjà vu.
