Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti on the best conference: Big Ten or SEC?

Without mentioning any specific conference, Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti had a true parting shot to finish his interview at Big Ten media days.

"The Big Ten is the best league in football," he said. "It definitely prepares you for the playoffs. The results speak for themselves."

The Big Ten has won the past three national championships — Michigan in the 2023 season, Ohio State in '24 and IU last season. That leaves even the most ardent Southeastern Conference admirers acknowledging the Big Ten's status.

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But Cignetti didn't stop there.

"We don't run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given," he said. "And when we fall short, we say, 'We fell short.' We don't cry a river, whine and complain. And that's why we're the best."

Cignetti rarely offers a subtle argument. When IU hired him in November 2023, he told fans to expect championships (remember "Google me?"). The Hoosiers made the College Football Playoff in 2024 and made a most unlikely undefeated run to the national title last season.

Boom. pic.twitter.com/vvPioDxBB0

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 30, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti on the best conference: Big Ten or SEC?