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59m ago

Cignetti Shuts Down NFL Talk as Mendoza Leads Indiana Into Title Game in Miami

His emphatic stance underscores Indiana’s stability as the Heisman winner returns to his hometown for Monday’s national championship.

Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti speaks with the media as the Indiana Hoosiers football team arrives for the College Football Playoff at Miami International Airport on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
Indiana fans pose in front of an Art Deco lifeguard stand on South Beach, repurposed in the colors of Indiana University and the University of Miami, before the College Football National Championship game on Jan. 19.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 9: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the CFP Semifinal Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Oregon Ducks 56-22. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

Overview

  • At CFP media day, Curt Cignetti said, "I'm not an NFL guy," citing a decision made years ago to stay in college coaching, including turning down a Packers opportunity in 2000.
  • No. 1 Indiana faces No. 10 Miami in the national championship Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium, with ESPN carrying the broadcast.
  • Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native and Columbus High alum, downplayed his homecoming and stressed team focus after a season with 41 touchdown passes and six interceptions.
  • Media projections continue to link the Raiders’ No. 1 pick to Mendoza, with some analysts also proposing a potential NFL reunion with Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt using a later selection.
  • Cignetti has steered Indiana to a 26-2 record over two seasons and signed an eight-year extension, with the unbeaten Hoosiers coming off decisive CFP wins over Alabama and Oregon.