Indiana's Playoff-Friendly Schedule Sparks Debate

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has faced significant criticism for the Hoosiers’ College Football Playoff selection and a new non-conference schedule featuring mostly Group of Five and FCS opponents. At Big Ten Media Days, Cignetti defended canceling a series with Virginia and other Power 4 games, stating this strategy mirrors the SEC and is designed to maximize postseason chances. He argued that inconsistent scheduling across conferences affects CFP selection fairness and called for standardized scheduling criteria. Purdue coach Barry Odom publicly criticized Indiana’s approach as lacking ambition, but Cignetti pointed to Indiana's school-record 11 wins and leading statistics as justification for their playoff inclusion. Critics from inside and outside the Big Ten claim the weak schedule undermines Indiana’s achievements, but Cignetti remains unapologetic. He has hinted at further strategic adjustments as the College Football Playoff landscape evolves.