After the College Football Playoff Selection Show, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti addressed the media, reflecting on his team’s historic inclusion in the CFP. With the Hoosiers securing a spot among the top four teams in college football, Cignetti’s emotions were a mix of pride, focus, and determination.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” Cignetti said, visibly emotional. “They’ve worked tirelessly all season, and this is a reward for all that hard work. But we’re not satisfied. This is just the next step in our journey.” Cignetti acknowledged the significance of Indiana’s first-ever CFP appearance, but he also emphasized that the team’s mindset remains focused on what’s next.
When asked about the challenges the Hoosiers faced on their path to the playoff, Cignetti pointed to the resilience and belief within the program. “We’ve been counted out at various points, but the players kept pushing forward. It’s a testament to their character,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of doubters, and we’ve used that as motivation. But now, it’s all about focusing on the task at hand.”
Cignetti also touched on the importance of staying grounded despite the national spotlight. “We know the expectations are higher now, but it’s about staying focused on the fundamentals. We can’t get distracted by all the noise outside,” he explained. “The focus has always been on getting better each week, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Looking ahead, Cignetti was adamant that Indiana’s playoff appearance was not just about making it, but about competing for a national championship. “We didn’t come this far to just participate,” he stated. “We came to win, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”