Indiana HC Curt Cignetti takes lonely stance on transfer portal change

Indiana Football Skyrockets to No. 2 Under Curt Cignetti Amid Transfer Portal Changes

Indiana football has soared to new heights under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, reaching the No. 2 ranking for the first time in program history. However, recent changes to the College Football Transfer Portal have left Cignetti taking a somewhat lonely stance on roster management.

Starting in 2026, the transfer portal window will shift from January 2 to January 16, effectively eliminating the spring portal session that previously allowed coaches additional flexibility. Cignetti expressed his regret over the change, noting how beneficial the spring portal had been for Indiana University (IU) in building its roster.

IU has already locked in 23 total additions via the transfer portal for the 2025 season. Among these additions, quarterback Fernando Mendoza stands out as the most high-profile transfer. Mendoza entered the portal during December’s cycle and eventually signed in January, bolstering IU’s quarterback depth. Cignetti emphasized how the spring portal allowed him to be proactive in finding and securing talent ahead of the season.

Looking Ahead: Indiana vs. UCLA

With its No. 2 ranking in tow, Indiana returns home to Bloomington this Saturday to face a sub-.500 foe. However, Cignetti insists the upcoming matchup against UCLA is far from a simple task.

“We’re playing a 3-0 football team,” Cignetti told reporters. “Since they have retooled their staff and now have their new offensive and defensive coordinators in place, they’re a very impressive football team.”

Under interim head coach Tim Skipper, the Bruins have flipped a new switch. Following an upset victory over Penn State, UCLA’s revival has been fueled by a reinvigorated defense and a dynamic offense led by Jerry Neuheisel—son of former UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel—calling the plays.

This weekend’s game will be UCLA’s biggest test so far, even after their encounter with a top-10 team like the Nittany Lions. Cignetti and Indiana are taking the challenge seriously, especially with UCLA’s talented transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava on the field.

“Nico can really spin the ball. He can make all the throws,” Cignetti shared.

The matchup marks the second consecutive season the Hoosiers and Bruins will face off. Indiana emphatically defeated UCLA 42-13 in the 2024 Rose Bowl, but Cignetti knows that past success won’t guarantee future results.

Stay tuned as Indiana looks to maintain its historic momentum and prove its mettle against a revitalized UCLA squad.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/indiana-football-news-curt-cignetti-takes-lonely-stance-on-transfer-portal-change

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