Indiana news: Analyst makes convincing case for Cignetti's Hoosiers as No. 1 team

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When you think of the top dog in college football, your mind probably jumps to the usual SEC or Big Ten powerhouses. But CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell thinks everyone is overlooking the reigning champs. He is making a strong case for head coach Curt Cignetti and Indiana football to claim the No. 1 spot entering the 2026 season.

During a recent interview, Kanell praised the program’s recent dominance.

“Why aren’t we going with Indiana?” Kanell asked. “I mean Curt Cignetti has only lost two games in two years, he retains his entire staff and I know he’s breaking in another new quarterback… He’s got yet again another top 10 portal class, the guy is the best coach in all of college football. I think they’ve earned the spot, I think they’re gonna be there when they need to be there. I think Indiana is the team that you have to consider at the top of the board.”

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Kanell makes a fantastic point. Cignetti holds a ridiculous 27-2 record over his first two seasons in Bloomington. He just guided Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season, capping it off with a gritty 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

However, repeating as title winners presents a massive challenge. The Hoosiers must replace departed superstar quarterback Fernando Mendoza. To fill that void, Cignetti attacked the transfer portal and snagged former TCU Horned Frogs gunslinger Josh Hoover.

Hoover brings serious arm talent to the table. Fans only need to check the tape from his epic 35-34 comeback win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders, where he completed 21 of 32 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns. While the new signal-caller has a history of turning the ball over, Cignetti plans to lean on a heavy run game and quick concepts to protect him.

Indiana boasts continuity, elite coaching, and a reloaded roster. Until an opponent knocks them off the mountaintop, the Hoosiers deserve that No. 1 ranking.

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