Curt Cignetti's remarkable impact on Indiana University's football program has earned him a spot on the preseason watch list for the 2025 Dodd Trophy. This accolade recognizes coaching excellence both on and off the field, highlighting Cignetti's achievements in his short time with the Hoosiers.

After being named the 30th head football coach in Indiana football history on December 3, 2024, Cignetti engineered one of the best first-year turnarounds in FBS history. In 2024, Cignetti led Indiana to an 11-2 season, marking a program-record for wins in a season. The team also achieved a program-best eight Big Ten victories. Cignetti's leadership propelled IU into the College Football Playoff for the first time, earning them the No. 10 seed.

The Dodd Trophy isn't solely focused on wins and losses. It also considers a program's academic performance, graduation rates, community involvement, and expectations for the upcoming season. Cignetti's inclusion on the watch list signifies the holistic transformation he's brought to Indiana football.

Cignetti is in select company as one of 26 coaches named to the preseason watch list. The list includes several other Big Ten coaches, such as Bret Bielema (Illinois), Ryan Day (Ohio State), James Franklin (Penn State), and Dan Lanning (Oregon). Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), who previously served as an offensive coordinator under Cignetti, is also a contender.

Before arriving at Indiana, Cignetti achieved considerable success at James Madison University, where he led the Dukes to a 52-9 record over five years. In 2022 and 2023, JMU posted a 19-4 record during its first two years as an FBS program. Cignetti's accomplishments at James Madison include being the first head coach to lead a team into the AP Top 25 during its first year transitioning from FCS to FBS.

His coaching career also includes stops at Elon University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Across six seasons at IUP, Cignetti had a 53–17 record, with three NCAA playoff appearances and two conference championships. At Elon, he reinvigorated a program that hadn't had a winning season in six years, guiding the Phoenix to consecutive FCS playoff appearances.

Cignetti's impact extends beyond the football field. He has emphasized the importance of academics, leadership, and integrity within the Indiana program. These values align with the criteria for the Dodd Trophy, which recognizes coaches who represent the highest ideals both on and off the field.

Looking ahead, Cignetti faces a challenging schedule in 2025, with matchups against other Dodd Trophy watch list members, including Bret Bielema, James Franklin, and Dan Lanning. As Cignetti enters his second year at Indiana, he aims to build upon the foundation he established in 2024 and further elevate the program's success.

The winner of the 2025 Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. As the season progresses, a midseason watch list will be released, potentially adding or narrowing the field of candidates. A panel of experts will then identify the finalists at the end of the season.