A Stoic Curt Cignetti Finally Cracked a Smile During Indiana’s Rout of Oregon

Curt Cignetti was at it again Friday night.

During No. 1 Indiana’s 56–22 rout of No. 5 Oregon on Friday night in the Peach Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff national championship game, Cignetti was his stoic self throughout. No matter how many points the Hoosiers scored or punts they blocked or turnovers they forced, the 64-year-old coach looked displeased on the sideline—just like he has all year.

Early in the fourth quarter with Indiana leading 42–15, the Hoosiers blocked a punt and recovered the football at Oregon’s 7-yard line. But it wasn’t time for a smile just yet.

Curt Cignetti was upset Indiana didn't score on the blocked punt. pic.twitter.com/LXCMezYQOL
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 10, 2026

There was too much time left. A 27-point lead early in the fourth quarter wasn’t enough for the coach to let loose. Three plays later, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza fired a three-yard pass to Elijah Sarratt for a 49–15 lead.

Indiana would turn Oregon over on downs on the next possession, and five plays later Kaelon Black ran for a 23-yard touchdown to make the score 55–15 before the extra point. And finally—for perhaps the first time all year but certainly for the first time in the College Football Playoff—Cignetti cracked a smile.

We've got a smile from @CCignettiIU #PMSCFP pic.twitter.com/Bc0btVjDYy
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 10, 2026

He’s looking forward to cracking open something else later Friday night, too.

“I’m really not thinking about the next game,” Cignetti said to ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath after the game. “I’m thinking about cracking open a beer.”

Indiana HC Curt Cignetti: "I'm not thinking about the next game. I'm thinking about cracking open a beer." 🏈🍺🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/RNXmeNPyEW
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 10, 2026

What a night.

Just over two years after he was hired by Indiana—the losingest program in college football history—Cignetti and the Hoosiers are one win away from a national championship.

And that’s worth smiling about.