Curt Cignetti at Indiana feels like trying to hold on to a slippery fish in a rushing river: the harder you grip, the more uncertain it feels. With the Indiana Hoosiers charging through the season at 10-0 and their head coach reportedly locking down a shiny $72 million, eight-year extension, you’d think the story ends happily ever after, right? Well, the story isn’t over yet. It’s never college football without a little plot twist, is it?

The league’s financial landscape could muddy those waters faster than a fumble on the goal line. Brandon Walker and crew on the Barstool College Football Show tossed around a potential game-changer. “But here’s the thing: the problem is how College football is gonna work.” The introduction of a salary cap for college athletics. It’s being whispered that schools might soon face a $20 million spending cap across all sports.

A potential wrench in the works for schools like Indiana, which traditionally balance basketball and football budgets. They sat on the barstool before reading his extension news, as the caption suggests. “Cignetti is staying in Indiana. (episode was released before the news dropped)”. As one podcast warrior puts it, “If you’re at a basketball and football school, you don’t get as much money because they want to spend it on basketball.” This means schools like Kansas or Kentucky—dominant in basketball—may struggle to maintain elite football programs under a cap.

The Hoosiers’ HC’s $9 million-per-year payday isn’t just a win for him. It’s Indiana planting a flag and saying, “We’re serious about football.” But the specter of a salary cap raises the question: can Indiana continue to afford this, or will richer football schools like Alabama or Texas come knocking with blank checks and big promises? While Indiana has deep pockets, it’s Curt Cignetti’s vision and leadership that truly set the Hoosiers apart. When asked about his recent contract extension, Cignetti had a simple but perfect response on Big Noon Kickoff. “We’re the emerging superpower in college football. Why would I leave?” There’s no shortage of iconic quotes for the Indiana tactician if he ever thinks of making his biopic.

The Bloomington’s quote machine has backed every word so far. Also, there might not be many high-profile coaching jobs available this year, which gives Indiana a chance to breathe—at least for now. As he moves forward towards Columbus (and takes a slight dig at their coach) to take on the Buckeyes in week 13, let’s move ahead to see another reason for him to stay in Indiana.

Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers: From empty seats to packed stands.

When Curt Cignetti arrived at Hoosier Hank’s restaurant for his weekly radio show on Thursday, he was in for a big surprise. The east location near College Park Mall was packed to the brim with enthusiastic Indiana fans. As Cignetti walked into the main area of the restaurant, he was greeted with a standing ovation, turning what he thought would be a regular evening into a hero’s welcome.

Already, the “emerging power of CFB” is now loved by the media in Bloomington too. From sparse crowds earlier this season to a media frenzy, Cignetti’s journey has been incredible. Acknowledging the turnout during his show, the HC said, “I’ll tell you what. The Hoosier Hank’s showing reminds me of our stadium from the first game from the start of the season to the middle of the season to the end of the season.” Now, the real question is, is Cignetti worth the big bucks?