Curt Cignetti gets Google tribute following Indiana’s national championship win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When Curt Cignetti was introduced as Indiana’s head football coach, one bold quote instantly followed him.
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He was asked how he planned 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 exactly that — and leaned into it.
After Indiana capped a perfect 16-0 season with a College Football Playoff national championship, searching Cignetti’s name triggers a celebratory animation that dropped a banner reading, “Yup, he won.”
It’s a rare and fitting nod from the tech giant after one of the most best seasons in modern college football history.
Behind Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Indiana defeated Miami 27-21 to complete the first 16-0 season by an FBS team in 132 years. Mendoza delivered the game’s signature moment with a twisting, diving fourth down score that ignited the Hoosiers and pushed them closer to 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 closing moments, stopping a potential game-tying or game-winning drive 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 later led 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 into the FBS.
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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.
