In college football, being an alpha isn’t just about stacking up wins. It’s about seeking out the toughest opponents and showing you belong at the top. Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers’ head coach, has flipped the script for a program that used to struggle. Now, Indiana is a national powerhouse.
But there’s a catch. Cignetti’s choices in non-conference scheduling have turned some heads. Even with a national championship and a Big Ten title, Indiana’s upcoming schedules don’t include marquee games against other Power Four teams. What’s going on here?
The Alpha Coach: Curt Cignetti’s Impact on Indiana Football
Cignetti landed in Bloomington with a chip on his shoulder. That attitude translated fast—27 wins in two seasons, a Big Ten title, and a national championship. Indiana football suddenly mattered.
At Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Cignetti didn’t hold back. He poked fun at the SEC’s “hype machine,” insisting the Big Ten’s success is real, not just for show.
His confidence is hard to miss. But when it comes to non-conference scheduling, Cignetti’s approach has been, well, a lot more cautious. Indiana’s future schedules are missing Power Four opponents from outside the Big Ten. That raises a few questions about whether his alpha image matches his scheduling philosophy.
Indiana’s Non-Conference Scheduling: A Closer Look
Since he took over, Cignetti’s had a big say in shaping Indiana’s schedules. Of the 18 non-conference games from 2025-2032, eleven were added after he arrived.
Still, most of Indiana’s non-conference opponents are from the Group of Six or the FCS. No Power Four matchups anywhere. There was supposed to be a home-and-home with Notre Dame in 2030 and 2031, but that got scrapped—apparently at Indiana’s own request.
Here’s a quick look at Indiana’s future non-conference opponents:
- 2024: FIU, Western Illinois (FCS), Charlotte
- 2025: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State (FCS)
- 2026: North Texas, Howard (FCS), Western Kentucky
- 2027: Kennesaw State, Indiana State (FCS), UMass
- 2028: Austin Peay (FCS), Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio)
- 2029: Ball State, Eastern Illinois (FCS), Western Kentucky
- 2030: Indiana State (FCS), Delaware
- 2031: None
- 2032: at UConn
The SEC Comparison: A Flawed Justification?
Cignetti has tried to justify his scheduling by referencing the SEC’s old strategy. Last year, he said he was following an “SEC scheduling philosophy,” focusing on nine conference games and cutting down on non-conference risks.
But that reasoning doesn’t really hold up now. The SEC announced it would move to a nine-game conference schedule, just like the Big Ten. Unlike the Big Ten, though, the SEC makes its teams schedule at least one Power Four opponent (or Notre Dame) outside the conference.
This difference is pretty glaring. The SEC adapted to make sure its teams get tested, but the Big Ten hasn’t followed suit. That means Indiana could be the only Power Four team not playing another Power Four opponent (or Notre Dame) outside league play from 2024-2029. Texas Tech is in a similar spot, but at least they have open slots left to fix it.
The Consequences of a Soft Non-Conference Schedule
Indiana’s cautious scheduling has some real downsides. First, it robs fans of those high-energy, big-name matchups that get everyone talking. Beating teams like Howard or UMass might look good on paper, but it’s not exactly thrilling—or great for building the program’s national brand.
There’s also the playoff picture. Even with a perfect record, the College Football Playoff committee cares a lot about strength of schedule. Facing tougher opponents can make a huge difference in how Indiana is viewed when it really counts.
Balancing Success and Challenge: The Path Forward
For Cignetti and Indiana, it’s a tricky balance—chasing wins but also proving they can hang with the best. The Hoosiers have already shown they can take down giants, with wins over No. 1 Ohio State and then Alabama, Oregon, and Miami on their way to a national title.
But if Indiana really wants to be seen as elite, they need to schedule tougher non-conference games. Maybe it’s time to find a new marquee matchup to replace Notre Dame—someone from the ACC, Big 12, or SEC. That’d give the Hoosiers more credibility and some much-needed experience. Plus, it just feels more in line with Cignetti’s whole alpha vibe, doesn’t it?
Will Cignetti’s Scheduling Philosophy Evolve?
Curt Cignetti’s approach to scheduling at Indiana keeps sparking debate. Sure, he’s stacked up wins in conference play, but there’s this nagging feeling—are the Hoosiers really testing themselves against the best with their current non-conference slate?
Indiana’s got the talent and the backing to take on anyone. If Cignetti leans into tougher non-conference games, maybe Indiana could finally prove it belongs among college football’s top tier.
Curious for more? You can dive into the full story over at CBS Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
