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Indiana Coach Declares Big Ten Best, Adds Star Transfer QB

8/1/2026

Summary

Cignetti Declares Big Ten

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti declared the Big Ten the best conference at the 2026 Media Days, citing three CFP titles—Michigan 2023, Ohio State 2024, Indiana 2025—and an 8-2 record versus the SEC.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey defended his league, with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti highlighting the playoff success.
Coaches Bret Bielema and Jedd Fisch said the debate fuels calls for more head-to-head games.

Summary

Indiana Adds Transfers

Indiana added 17 transfers, including TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (65.2% completions, 9,629 yards, 71 TDs, 33 INTs).
Cignetti likened Hoover to Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, noting Hoover will run and play defense and special teams.
Shanahan and Haines got raises while Indiana kept 10 starters and Cignetti’s staff for a year.
Linebacker Isaiah Jones said the team has “chips on our shoulders,” stressing to avoid complacency after the 2025 16-0 championship.

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Cignetti Declares Big Ten

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti declared the Big Ten the best conference at the 2026 Media Days, citing three CFP titles—Michigan 2023, Ohio State 2024, Indiana 2025—and an 8-2 record versus the SEC.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey defended his league, with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti highlighting the playoff success.
Coaches Bret Bielema and Jedd Fisch said the debate fuels calls for more head-to-head games.

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