No. 9 Indiana football fell in the College Football Playoff rankings during its bye week. The Hoosiers dropped five spots to No. 9 despite not playing.
That didn't sit well with head coach Curt Cignetti, per On3Sports.com. Additionally, Cignetti made it clear on X, formerly Twitter:
“Bad losses don't count anymore? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Are first downs still 10 yards?🤡🤡🤡”
Bad losses don't count anymore? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Are first downs still 10 yards?🤡🤡🤡— Curt Cignetti (@CCignettiIU) November 12, 2026
Indiana is 8-1 and is defending the national champions. They fell behind teams such as Texas, UCLA, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Tennessee. Moreover, Cignetti took umbrage at programs like Texas, which have suffered many losses, including upsets, while Indiana's only loss came to No. 20 Ohio State, 19-15, on October 17.
Additionally, there is suspicion that the College Football Playoff committee is biased toward SEC programs over the Big Ten.
Even with Fernando Mendoza in the NFL, the Hoosiers remain one of the best programs in the country. Thanks to a strong defense, solid transfers, and quarterback depth, the Hoosiers are still in the hunt for the postseason.
Given their upcoming schedule, they have a solid chance to prove the naysayers wrong. Their biggest upcoming test is Saturday, November 14, at home against No. 18 USC. Then, they will play unranked Washington on November 21 and Purdue on November 28 to close out the regular season.
Article Continues BelowWinning all three games makes them a lock for the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff.
According to ESPN's College Football Power Index, the Hoosiers have an 80.6% chance to make the 12-team postseason.
If the season ended today, Indiana, as the No. 9 seed, would play the No. 8 seed, Tennessee.