Indiana challenging Kansas State for greatest college football turnaround

Indiana University's football program, under the leadership of head coach Curt Cignetti, is drawing comparisons to Kansas State's historic rise under Bill Snyder. Indiana, traditionally known for basketball, has transformed into a football powerhouse, reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship ranked No. 1 and featuring a Heisman Trophy winner. This turnaround is compared to Snyder's revitalization of Kansas State, which was once deemed "Futility U" before becoming a Big 12 contender.

Cignetti's success at Indiana is notable for achieving what many considered impossible, similar to Snyder's achievements. However, Cignetti has benefited from modern advantages like the transfer portal and financial support through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, as well as contributions from alumni like Mark Cuban. These resources have helped Indiana secure top talent, such as quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

In contrast, Snyder's era at Kansas State did not have these modern tools, requiring a focus on recruiting overlooked talent from smaller schools and