Curt Cignetti's unique blueprint behind Indiana's rapid rise has everyone taking notes

Indiana University's football team is on the brink of completing a remarkable turnaround under head coach Curt Cignetti, with a national championship game against Miami looming. In the past two years, Cignetti has transformed Indiana from an underperforming program into a national title contender by heavily utilizing the transfer portal. He brought in 13 veteran players from James Madison and supplemented the roster with 10 starters via transfers, prioritizing experienced players over potential.

Cignetti's approach has resulted in Indiana constructing the oldest roster in the College Football Playoff, averaging 4.3 years of college experience among the 22 starters. Despite lower recruiting rankings, the team boasts a plus-473 point differential, the second-best in 50 years of FBS football. This success is attributed to Cignetti's strategic roster construction and the development of players, many of whom are projected NFL Draft picks.

The Indiana roster includes standout players like Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and receiver Elijah Sarratt, with the