Curt Cignetti receives tribute from Google after Indiana’s national championship victory originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.
When Curt Cignetti was introduced as Indiana’s head football coach, a bold quote immediately followed him.
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When asked how he plans to sell his culture to recruits and transfers, Cignetti didn’t hesitate.
“It’s pretty simple. I win,” he said. “Google me.”
Two years later, Google did just that – and built on it.
After Indiana capped a perfect 16-0 season with a College Football Playoff national championship, searching Cignetti’s name triggered a celebratory animation that dropped a banner reading, “Yeah, he won.”
It’s a rare and fitting nod from the tech giant after one of the best seasons in modern college football history.
Behind Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Indiana beat Miami 27-21 to complete the first 16-0 season by an FBS team in 132 years. Mendoza delivered the game’s defining moment with a twisting, diving fourth-down score that ignited the Hoosiers and moved them closer to making history.
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Indiana’s defense sealed it late. Defensive back Jamari Sharpe intercepted a pass from Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the final moments, stopping a potential game-winner and sending the Hoosiers into celebration.
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The title marked Indiana’s first CFP national championship and instantly reshaped the program’s identity. It also served as the ultimate validation of Cignetti’s career.
Cignetti began his head coaching career at Division II IUP in 2011, where he went 53-17 at the school where his father, Frank, is a legend. He then managed Elon before taking over at James Madison, where he compiled a 52-9 record, reached an FCS national title game and guided the Dukes seamlessly to the FBS.
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More: Curt Cignetti slams Big 12 referees for Miami’s ‘dirty’ play in title game
When Indiana hired him in late 2023 after a three-win season under Tom Allen, expectations were modest.
Now the results speak for themselves – and even Google agrees.
