Curt Cignetti Tops Dan Lanning In Big Ten Coach Rankings

Indiana’s Turnaround Under Curt Cignetti

Curt Cignetti inherited an Indiana program that had posted a dismal 3‑24 record in Big Ten play from 2021 through 2023. His hiring marked a cultural shift for the Hoosiers, and the results have been historic in just his second season. Indiana defeated the Oregon Ducks by 34 points in the CFP Semifinal and captured the national championship with a win over Miami Hurricanes. USA TODAY’s latest Big Ten coach rankings now place Cignetti at No. 1, cementing his rapid rise.

Before arriving in Bloomington, Cignetti built a reputation for turning around struggling programs at James Madison and Elon. The Hoosiers’ success this season builds on that pedigree, showcasing a complete transformation on and off the field. His ascent reflects a broader trend of coaching change influencing conference dynamics.

Dan Lanning’s Near‑Miss With a National Title

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has compiled a 48‑8 record in four seasons, earning four bowl victories and two College Football Playoff appearances. Despite those achievements, Lanning has yet to capture a national championship, a gap highlighted by his team’s 34‑point loss to Indiana in the 2025 CFP Semifinal. Lanning’s 2024 squad went unbeaten, won the Big Ten crown, and secured a top seed in the Playoff, yet the championship remains out of reach.

Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY summed up the sentiment: “Fair or not, Lanning won’t get his national due until Oregon wins a national championship.” The comment underscores how legacy in college football often hinges on December and January performances. Lanning’s résumé also includes three top‑seven finishes in the Coaches Poll, but the missing title keeps him from the top spot in the latest rankings.

Big Ten Rankings: Who Is Leading the Pack?

USA TODAY’s most recent Big Ten head‑coach ranking places Cignetti at the summit, ahead of Ohio State’s Ryan Day, who occupies No. 2. Lanning trails Day and remains outside the top two, despite a strong regular‑season performance in 2024. The ranking reflects the sport’s emphasis on postseason success as the ultimate measure of coaching excellence.

The 2026 season offers Lanning and the Ducks another chance to close the championship void, while Cignetti will look to maintain Indiana’s momentum. As the conference continues to evolve with new members like USC, UCLA, and Washington, coaching performance will remain the primary driver of prestige and recruiting advantage.