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Curt Cignetti credits Indiana’s national championship win to two individuals who never stepped onto the field—President Pamela Whitten and Athletic Director Scott Dolson. Despite their absence from game day, the Hoosiers’ head coach insists their support was the cornerstone of Indiana’s transformation into a college football powerhouse. Cignetti, who led Indiana to its first national title in program history, repeatedly emphasized the critical role Whitten and Dolson played in the success. During a recent interview with the Big Ten Network, he stated, “No question. It’s No. 1. It’s the only reason I’m here because I had that feeling about both of them.” He described their commitment as the catalyst for his decision to join Indiana, a move that turned the program’s fortunes around after years of underperformance. Whitten and Dolson’s influence began with the coaching search that brought Cignetti to Bloomington. Dolson, working alongside executive hiring firm TurnkeyZRG, was confident Cignetti was the right fit to execute Indiana’s plan for improvement. Once hired, Cignetti took the reins of football operations, while Whitten and Dolson oversaw financial and administrative decisions. Their collaboration was described as seamless, with full trust in each other’s judgment. “We are totally aligned 100 percent,” Cignetti said. “Not only do we work together, we’re good friends. There’s total transparency in our communication.” The duo’s vision extended beyond hiring a coach. Whitten, who previously vowed Indiana would no longer treat football as an “intramural sport,” prioritized resources and infrastructure to elevate the program. Dolson’s leadership ensured the athletic department could fund initiatives like facility upgrades and recruitment efforts.#indiana_university #pamela_whitten #scott_dolson #curt_cignetti #big_ten_network

Chase Daniel Endorses Fernando Mendoza As No. 1 Pick Over Alabama’s Ty Simpson Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback from Indiana University, has emerged as the top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Chase Daniel, a former NFL quarterback and current analyst. Daniel has publicly stated that Mendoza is the clear No. 1 pick and a franchise-caliber player, emphasizing his intangible qualities that set him apart from other prospects. This endorsement comes as the draft season intensifies, with analysts and scouts debating the rankings of quarterback prospects, particularly between Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Mendoza’s rise to the top of draft boards is rooted in his exceptional performance during his college career. He led Indiana to an undefeated 16-0 season in 2026, marking the first time in college football history that a team achieved this feat under the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) system. This historic run culminated in a national championship for the Hoosiers, solidifying Mendoza’s reputation as a leader and a game-changer. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his high football IQ, has been a key factor in his ascent. On the field, Mendoza’s physical attributes and athletic ability further bolster his case. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he possesses the size and strength needed to thrive in the NFL’s physical quarterback position. His athleticism is particularly impressive for someone of his stature, allowing him to excel in both passing and mobility aspects of the game. Scouts have noted that Mendoza checks every box required for a modern quarterback, from arm strength to decision-making under pressure. Mendoza’s production is backed by tangible results.#ty_simpson #fernando_mendoza #chase_daniel #indiana_university #pfsn_cfb_qb_impact_grade

Former Indiana, DePaul Guard CJ Gunn Wins 3-Point Championship, Faces Boos INDIANAPOLIS — CJ Gunn, a former Indiana University guard and DePaul senior, captured the men’s 3-point shooting title at the College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The victory, however, was met with immediate backlash as the crowd booed the hometown hero after reviewing the final shot. The title-clinching attempt appeared to be released after the buzzer, sparking controversy and a wave of disapproval from spectators. Gunn, a proud Indianapolis native and 2022 Lawrence North High School graduate, was a late addition to the contest. He received a last-minute call from DePaul coach Chris Holtmann, which coincided with his plans to visit family in his hometown. The timing allowed him to bring a large group of supporters, including friends, family, and former coaches, to the event. Despite the boos, Gunn embraced the situation with humor, joking about the crowd’s reaction. “I’m from Indiana. I don’t know why everybody was booing me like that,” Gunn laughed after the competition. The boos intensified during a replay of his final shot, which was shown on the jumbotron. The moment also highlighted his connection to his alma mater, Indiana, as he wore the champion’s gold chain during his post-round interview. While the crowd’s response was unexpected, Gunn remained focused on the achievement. Winning the 3-point championship provided a fitting conclusion to his college career, which saw him become DePaul’s leading scorer in two seasons. Over 54 games (44 starts), he averaged 13 points per game (832 total) on 41.4% shooting. His performance earned praise from teammates and coaches, who noted his growth as a player. Gunn’s journey to the championship was marked by a slow start in the early rounds.#indianapolis #indiana_university #cj_gunn #depol #chris_holtmann

Hometown 3-point champion was met with boos. Why former Indiana guard 'likes it that way' INDIANAPOLIS — CJ Gunn, a former Indiana University guard and DePaul University senior, found himself at the center of a heated moment during the College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Despite winning the men’s 3-point shooting contest, Gunn was met with boos from the crowd, a reaction that left him both puzzled and amused. The 6-foot-7 guard, who grew up in Indianapolis and attended Lawrence North High School, had just secured the title with a clutch shot at the buzzer, yet the crowd’s response was anything but celebratory. Gunn, who had spent his college career at Indiana before transferring to DePaul, was visibly taken aback by the negative reception. “I’m from Indiana. I don’t know why everybody was booing me like that,” he laughed after the event, referencing the hometown crowd’s mixed emotions. When asked if the treatment was harsh, he shrugged it off with a grin. “Yeah, yeah. I like it that way, though, man.” His lighthearted attitude underscored his resilience in the face of unexpected criticism. The 3-point contest, held as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships, drew a mix of athletes and fans to Hinkle Fieldhouse. Gunn’s victory was a fitting conclusion to his college career, which saw him become a standout performer at DePaul. Over two seasons, he was the team’s leading scorer, appearing in 54 games (44 starts) while averaging 13 points per game on 41.4% shooting. His journey to the championship round was marked by a slow start, but he found his rhythm in the second round, ultimately earning his place in the final. Gunn’s path to the contest was somewhat unexpected.#hinkle_fieldhouse #indiana_university #cj_gunn #dePaul_university

Curt Cignetti Announces Retirement Wish From Football Coaching & Indiana HC Role Curt Cignetti, the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, has made it clear he has no intention of retiring despite turning 65 earlier this month. The decision comes as Indiana continues to thrive under his leadership, having recently secured its first NCAA championship in program history and posting a 27-2 record over two seasons. The question now lingering is how long this success can sustain itself if Cignetti decides to step away from the sidelines. Cignetti’s commitment to Indiana was solidified during a pivotal 45-minute conversation with university president Pamela Whitten and athletic director Scott Dolson. Dolson, who meticulously analyzed the success of top programs like North Carolina, Duke, and Kansas, identified a dozen key qualities he sought in a new head coach. Cignetti’s resume, which includes developing NFL stars like Philip Rivers and producing four conference Players of the Year at James Madison, aligned perfectly with these criteria. Indiana moved swiftly to hire him after firing Tom Allen, securing his services just four days later. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Under Cignetti, Indiana became the first team in over a century to achieve a perfect 16-0 season. His ability to cultivate talent was evident in the rise of Fernando Mendoza, who became a Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall player selected in the Draft this year. Cignetti’s influence extended beyond the field, as he reshaped the Big Ten landscape through strategic use of the transfer portal and his knack for identifying elite athletes. Despite his age, Cignetti has no plans to retire.#big_ten #indiana_hoosiers #curt_cignetti #pamela_whitten #scott_dolson