Curt Cignetti questions scheduling philosophy amid Indiana's non-conference approach

At the Big Ten Media Days on August 3, 2026, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti addressed his team's non-conference scheduling. Currently, Indiana is set to complete its 2029 season without playing a Power Four opponent outside the Big Ten. Cignetti, who has led the Hoosiers to a national championship, has defended the decision to adopt a scheduling strategy focused on conference play, reminiscent of the SEC approach. Critics note that this leaves Indiana with what is perceived as a weak non-conference lineup until their matchup against Notre Dame in 2030. Cignetti explained that the focus is on the nine conference games, emphasizing the importance of those matchups.

• 2:33 PMCBS Sports — Curt Cignetti talks like college football's alpha, but Indiana's schedule says otherwise