Indiana's football program has been making waves with its unique approach to roster building, prioritizing experience over potential. This strategy, led by head coach Curt Cignetti, has resulted in a string of successes, including a national championship run in 2025. However, it's not just Indiana's success that's catching attention; it's the growing trend of other programs attempting to replicate this blueprint. In this article, I'll delve into the implications of this shift, the challenges it presents, and the broader context it fits into.
The Rise of the Experience-First Philosophy
Indiana's success has sparked a debate about the value of experience in college football. Critics argue that prioritizing age over class balance can lead to an imbalanced roster, but the numbers tell a different story. According to CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus, Indiana ranks among the top-10 in career snaps played, starts, and total games played by its roster entering the 2026 season. This data suggests that experience does matter, but it's not the only factor.
The Transfer Portal and the Indiana Model
Indiana's approach to the transfer portal has been a key component of its success. In 2024, I predicted that Indiana would become a guinea pig for how new coaching regimes would leverage the portal. The Hoosiers hit big on their gamble of production over potential, and now many other programs are following suit. However, it's not just about the portal; it's about the system and the people behind it.
The Challenges of Copying the Indiana Model
Indiana's success is not easily replicated. The Hoosiers had a head coach with a proven track record, a strong support staff, and a system that fit their players' play styles. Most programs won't be as well-positioned as Indiana and Cignetti were in 2024. The Hoosiers did more with less than arguably any other team in the country, and their depth chart was littered with seniors and 25-year-olds.
Indiana's 2026 Season: A Small Step Back
In 2026, Indiana is taking a small step back in terms of experience. This is due to strong high school recruiting and in-house development, with several younger players ready to contribute in heightened roles. The idea that the Hoosiers are a group of "men" playing against "teenagers" will largely fall flat this season as more teams take a similar approach. Indiana will once again be among the nation's most experienced teams, but the parity has increased significantly since Cignetti's first year in 2024.
The Broader Context
Indiana's success and the growing trend of experience-first rosters fit into a larger context of college football's evolving landscape. The sport is becoming more competitive, and the transfer portal has become a key tool for coaches to build their teams. However, the parity has increased significantly, and the pressure to win is higher than ever. This raises a deeper question: How sustainable is the experience-first philosophy in the long term?
Conclusion: The Future of College Football
Indiana's success with the experience-first philosophy has sparked a debate about the future of college football. While the approach has proven successful, it's not without its challenges. As more programs attempt to replicate Indiana's blueprint, the sport will continue to evolve, and the question remains: How will the experience-first philosophy hold up in the face of increased competition and parity?
