“It’s pretty simple. I win,” head coach Curt Cignetti said before he joined the Indiana Hoosiers. In his first year as head coach, Curt Cignetti has led Indiana to an impressive 8-0 record, matching the best start in the program’s history since the 1960s. Not only this, it looks like Cignetting might also be winning away from the pitch as his recruiting powers may sway five-star quarterback and current USC commit Julian Lewis.

As the college football season intensifies, recruiting is becoming competitive. Despite his verbal commitment to the Trojans, Julian Lewis is actively exploring other options. High-profile programs such as Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn have all tried to flip Lewis since he committed to USC on August 22, 2023, and now Indiana has emerged as another contender.

Curt Cignetti-led program has gone 8-0 in the new season and they will hope this run of form will aid their recruiting hopes and it seems they are strongly pursuing their target. He has made a visit to Indiana University in the past but Cignetti and his quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri, are still eyeing Lewis.

On3, insider Josh Newberg explained how dynamics are changing on Sunday with a renewed interest from the Hoosiers. “Indiana is obviously all in on Julian Lewis right now, five-star quarterback, currently committed to USC. He’s in Colorado this weekend. More on that later in the show with Philip Guts, who’s on the ground in Boulder, but Indiana right there in the middle of it, looking to get him back to campus for a third time this year.”

Lewis showed up in Boulder ahead of the Buffs game against Cincinnati. He was also expected to be in Bloomington for the Hoosiers’ 56-7 win over Nebraska but didn’t attend the game. However, there is still hope in the Indiana ranks, especially given his friendship with Sunseri.

They tried to get him in for Nebraska. It was too quick a turnaround, Hayes, but they’re going to get him back for the Michigan game. That has been the plan the whole fall. I’m expecting him to come with some of his Carrollton High teammates as well.” 

Shedding light on Lewis’ relationship with coach Sunseri, the insider added, “His relationship with Tino Sunseri goes back to him attending camp at Florida State when he was like eight years old. Tino Sunseri, before he worked at James Madison with Curt Cignetti, Mike Shanahan, and company, he was at Alabama in an analyst role.”

Lewis did make a trip to Bloomington over Memorial Day weekend and Indiana is now pushing for him to visit again and is keen to snap him up. Currently a high school senior in Carrollton, Georgia, Lewis was reclassified from 2026 to 2025. He is ranked the No. 3 overall quarterback in the 2025 class and the No. 22 overall player, according to the On3 Industry Average.

Newberg emphasized how Sunseri has advised him to keep an open mind and not rush his decision. “And if he was still at Alabama, I think Julian Lewis would be committed to Alabama. That is how close these guys are. And he’s told Julian Lewis before the season, ‘Hey, don’t make any final decisions about your recruitment, whether that’s sticking with USC or whether that’s flipping to Colorado. Let’s watch these teams play.’ 

In his sophomore season, he finished the season with 3,094 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. He only threw two interceptions in 13 games. As a freshman, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 48 TDs. Meanwhile, the chances of Lewis ending up with Indiana were also boosted by 247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy on Monday.

He mentioned, “I’ve said it for months and I still want to repeat myself. I do not expect him sticking with his pledge to the Trojans. The teams to watch, Indiana, Colorado and to a lesser extent Auburn… So now I’m watching Indiana and Colorado and if I had to pick between the two I would give the edge to Indiana over Colorado and the field.”

In the summer Lewis did pay a visit to Bloomington and had only positive things to share. He said, “IU is a good town, good area. Would be a good place to be a freshman in and some place I’d be comfortable in.” While Indiana are hoping for a third visit from Lewis and his relationship with Sunseri could tilt the scales in their favor, the Buffs and Coach Prime’s influence is not to be played down.

Julian Lewis, the next big target for Deion Sanders?

Coach Prime and his team are on a promising path! After their recent victory over Cincinnati, they are serious contenders for the Big 12 and have made their first bowl game since 202o. Head coach Deion Sanders is not only focused on winning games but is also actively recruiting top athletes who match the team’s energy and enthusiasm.

After three visits to Boulder this year, Lewis was at Folsom Field to witness Coach Prime’s team make history. Their 34-23 win over Cincinnati, marks a remarkable turnaround for the program under Sanders and it will only enhance his growing reputation. Hence, Lewis could be swayed by what Coach Prime has achieved in his second year.

The Buffs’ 2025 class now features 10 commitments and ranks No. 64 in the nation and the addition of Lewis could be a big shot in the arm for them as well.

The quarterback has displayed some impressive games so far this season. In the recent game against East Coweta, he scored six touchdowns. Yes, you hear that right! Six! With such impressive stats, it is easy to see why Sanders and Cignetti would be eager to recruit him to their ranks.