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Indiana’s Curt Cignetti Rejects NFL Talk as Heisman QB Fernando Mendoza Returns Home for Title Game

His firm stance signals full attention on Monday night in Miami Gardens.

Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti speaks with the media as the Indiana Hoosiers football team arrives for the College Football Playoff at Miami International Airport on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
Indiana fans pose in front of an Art Deco lifeguard stand on South Beach, repurposed in the colors of Indiana University and the University of Miami, before the College Football National Championship game on Jan. 19.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 9: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after the CFP Semifinal Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Oregon Ducks 56-22. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

Overview

  • No. 1 Indiana (15-0) faces No. 10 Miami on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium after CFP routs of Alabama and Oregon.
  • Cignetti said he is "not an NFL guy," recalling he declined an opportunity with the Packers in 2000, and he recently signed an eight-year deal through 2033.
  • Mendoza, a Miami native and Christopher Columbus High alum, downplayed the homecoming narrative and enters the game with 41 touchdowns to 6 interceptions this season.
  • The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick and are expected by multiple outlets to target Mendoza, with team brass set to attend the title game to evaluate him.
  • Analysts and coaches, including Josh Pate, Mario Cristobal and Bruce Arians, have lauded Mendoza’s accuracy, poise and athleticism, and Cristobal noted he played high school football with Mendoza’s father.