Winning in a coach’s first season is never easy—especially at Indiana, where success on the field has always been an uphill battle. But Curt Cignetti has flipped the script. In his debut year with the Hoosiers, Cignetti orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks of the 2024 college football season. With an impressive 10-0 record heading into Week 12, Indiana stands as one of the few undefeated teams this year. And at the heart of it all? Their standout transfer quarterback, Kurtis Rourke.

Without Rourke, this incredible run might not have been possible. After their win over Michigan, Cignetti opened up about why Rourke was his ideal choice from the transfer portal. Appearing on Move the Sticks with Bucky Brooks and Rhett Lewis on November 16, the conversation turned to what makes a transfer QB successful. Lewis pointed out how experience plays a crucial role, citing players like Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels as examples. Nix, who started 60 collegiate games before moving to the Denver Broncos, and Daniels, now with the Washington Commanders, both thrived despite concerns about their “physicality.”

So, did Rourke’s experience factor into Cignetti’s decision? The coach didn’t hesitate. “Well, you learn by doing,” he explained. “Those reps—those game reps—accumulate, right? And to me, that’s always been the formula in the transfer market. I’m really not interested in the backup guy with a lot of talent. I want a guy who’s been out there as a starter and been in those situations before.”

Cignetti also praised Rourke’s composure and leadership. “He’s loved by his teammates,” he added. “Kurtis was the MAC Player of the Year in ’22. He hurt his knee at the end of that season, and didn’t get to train much in the off-season, but still had a strong ’23 campaign. His numbers were great—he knew how to play quarterback, and it was obvious on tape.”

Rourke’s stats back it up. He’s completed 71.8% of his passes for 2,410 yards, throwing 21 touchdowns against just four interceptions. As Indiana heads into a bye week before their final game against Ohio State, the spotlight remains firmly on their QB. With a Heisman Trophy within reach and other accolades likely on the way, the question isn’t just about this season. Can Curt Cignetti’s leadership secure a dynasty for Indiana in 2025?

Is Curt Cignetti best for Indiana’s future?

Among his first actions was to address the roster issue. When Cignetti reached a huge turnover, ten offensive starters and half of the defensive linemen went via the transfer portal. In just a few weeks, he was able to transform the squad by acquiring 31 transfers and 48 new players. Important assistants from his previous coaching roles were also retained as part of this vigorous hiring process, maintaining continuity and a shared program vision.

Safe to say, under Cignetti’s guidance, Indiana has developed into a competitive team that is currently contending for a College Football Playoff berth. After twelve weeks of play, the Hoosiers had an undefeated record after defeating Michigan 20-15 in front of a large home crowd. In addition, Hoosiers’ future appears secure under Cignetti.

Curt Cignetti’s achievements have put Indiana in a strong position to emerge as a collegiate football powerhouse in the future. The program maintains its competitive edge thanks to its robust funding and interoperability with NIL opportunities. Mark Cuban, an Indiana alum, says that Cignetti’s ability to keep his word is crucial to maintaining the momentum and building on this year’s achievements. We’ll have to wait and watch how Curt Cignetti and the team progress.