As Indiana University’s football program enters the middle of its spring practice, the focus is beginning to shift toward preparing for the 2025 season. Under new head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers are working hard to lay the groundwork for a successful season, and the expectations are rising as Cignetti’s first spring as head coach nears its conclusion. During the mid-spring press conference, Coach Cignetti addressed a wide range of topics, from the progress of the team during spring practice, his assessment of individual players, his approach to building the culture at Indiana, and his thoughts on the challenges that lie ahead.
Cignetti, who joined Indiana after a successful tenure as the head coach at the University of James Madison, brings with him a wealth of experience, a clear vision, and a commitment to building a winning program. His calm yet confident demeanor during the press conference provided insight into his leadership style and the direction he intends to take Indiana football in the coming seasons. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what Coach Curt Cignetti shared at his mid-spring press conference.
The Progress of the Team During Spring Practice
One of the first questions Cignetti addressed was how the team had been progressing through the first part of spring practice. As expected, Cignetti offered a balanced assessment, acknowledging both the strides the team had made and the areas that still needed improvement.
“I think we’re making progress,” Cignetti began, speaking candidly about his observations. “But we’re also a long way from where we want to be. Spring practice is a time for us to find out who can compete, who can make plays, and who can handle the intensity of the Big Ten football environment. We’ve had some good moments, but we’re also learning a lot about ourselves.”
Cignetti noted that the team’s tempo and physicality had been an area of focus. Building a strong foundation through the spring allows for players to develop habits that will carry over into the regular season. He emphasized that Indiana’s football identity would revolve around toughness and playing with a relentless attitude.
“We want to play fast, we want to play physical, and we want to play smart. If we do those things consistently, we’ll be in a good spot. But it starts here in the spring,” Cignetti explained. “We’re working on conditioning, strength, and getting the fundamentals down. I want to see players really competing every day to earn their roles. This is their opportunity to step up.”
Cignetti also highlighted the importance of the spring practices as a time to evaluate his depth chart and see where there is potential for improvement. Many position battles were ongoing, and players were expected to show improvement each day in order to lock down a spot on the starting lineup.
“We have a lot of competition at nearly every position group, and that’s a good thing. It’s forcing guys to step up,” Cignetti noted. “You can’t win in the Big Ten without depth. We want to develop that depth, and the spring is where we get a real look at what we’ve got.”
Assessing the Quarterback Situation
A key talking point during the press conference was the quarterback battle, which was one of the most anticipated storylines for Indiana heading into 2025. With the departure of last season’s starter and a few other changes at the position, Cignetti was asked about the competition for the starting quarterback job.
“It’s an open competition,” Cignetti said firmly. “We’re giving each quarterback a chance to prove themselves in live situations. They’re all getting reps with the first team, and we want to see who can perform under pressure, who can lead the team, and who can make the right decisions in critical moments.”
Cignetti acknowledged that it would be unfair to crown a starter this early in spring practice but noted that each quarterback had shown flashes of promise. The three players in contention for the starting job were Donovan McCulley, Jack Tuttle, and freshman recruit Brian Martin, who was generating a lot of buzz.
“Donovan has a great physical skill set and has made strides since last season. Jack is a seasoned player with a lot of experience, and Brian has a lot of natural talent,” Cignetti said. “Each of them brings something unique to the table. We’re evaluating their command of the offense, decision-making, and leadership. They’ve got to be able to run the offense efficiently and make the plays that put us in a position to win.”
Cignetti did not offer a timeline for when a starting quarterback would be named but made it clear that the decision would be based on who gave Indiana the best chance to win games, not just based on seniority or hype.
“The quarterback position is critical, but we also have to remember that it’s a team game,” he said. “It’s about putting the right pieces around that quarterback—offensive line, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends—so whoever wins the job has the support they need to succeed.”
Building the Culture: A Foundation of Accountability and Teamwork
Cignetti was also asked about the process of building a winning culture at Indiana. Coming from a successful program at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to multiple FCS playoff appearances, Cignetti understands the importance of establishing a culture that aligns with the program’s goals.
“We’re in the process of developing a culture that’s built on hard work, accountability, and trust,” Cignetti stated. “As a coaching staff, we’re holding everyone—players, coaches, and support staff—accountable to the standards we’ve set. That starts with having the right attitude every day and being willing to put in the work necessary to be successful.”
He emphasized that one of the first steps in creating a successful program was getting the players to buy into that vision, and he made it clear that Indiana’s players were responding well to his leadership.
“Every player on this team has to understand that there are no shortcuts to success,” Cignetti said. “It’s not just about talent. It’s about commitment and effort. We’re demanding that every player show up every day with the right mindset to get better. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or in the weight room, we want them to take pride in everything they do.”
Cignetti’s approach to leadership was also evident in his focus on building strong relationships with players. He discussed how important it was to create a sense of camaraderie and unity within the team.
“We’re building a family here,” Cignetti explained. “Football is the ultimate team game. You have to trust your teammates, rely on them, and know that they’re going to give everything they’ve got. That’s the kind of mentality we’re instilling. We’re not just developing football players; we’re developing leaders who will have success both on and off the field.”
The Hoosiers’ 2025 Schedule: Tough Challenges Ahead
As Cignetti looks to implement his vision for the program, he also turned his attention to the upcoming 2025 season and the challenges that lie ahead. The Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and Cignetti understands that his team will have to be prepared for the physicality and intensity that comes with every game.
“We know what we’re up against in the Big Ten. It’s one of the toughest conferences in the country,” Cignetti said. “There are no easy games, and every week will be a battle. But we embrace that challenge. We want to be in the hunt for a Big Ten championship, and we know it’s going to take everything we’ve got to get there.”
Cignetti acknowledged that Indiana’s schedule would be demanding, particularly with games against powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan. But he expressed confidence that his team was on the right path.
“We’ve got a long way to go, but I think we’re heading in the right direction,” Cignetti said. “We’re going to face some tough opponents, but I know this team is capable of competing. If we focus on the fundamentals, play with discipline, and stay together as a team, we’ll be in every game.”
Player Development: Fostering Growth and Competition
Cignetti was also asked about his approach to player development and how he planned to elevate the performance of his players, both individually and collectively.
“Player development is at the core of everything we do,” Cignetti said. “We’re constantly working to get each player better, whether it’s technique, strength, or mental toughness. That’s what drives success in the long term. The spring is the perfect time to work on individual skills, but we also have to make sure that we’re developing players who can help us win games now.”
He added that he was pleased with the efforts of the strength and conditioning staff, which had done an excellent job getting players physically prepared for the season ahead.
“I’m really impressed with the work our strength coaches have done. Our players are stronger, faster, and more explosive than when we arrived,” Cignetti explained. “That’s a testament to the dedication of the players and the staff. Now, we need to make sure we continue that progression into the summer and fall.”