Indiana football continued to build its 2026 recruiting class Sunday, this time landing a past Penn State commit for Curt Cignetti.

Curt Cignetti is known for his witty and intense quotes. His frown on the sideline is constant. But after Indiana football’s victory over Penn State on Nov. 8, the usually stoic head coach showed rare emotion.

The Hoosiers' hurry-up in front of 100,000-plus at Beaver Stadium culminated with Mendoza's 7-yard toss to Omar Cooper Jr. in the back of the end zone, who dazzled despite solid coverage and came down with the football with his left toe inbounds to push Indiana ahead.

The Indiana Hoosiers football team reached 11-0 for the first time as Curt Cignetti downplays the moment in a funny post-game quote.

After leading the Crimson Hawks to a 7-3 record in his first season in 2011, his squad began 2012 with two wins. Ranked No. 17 in the country, IUP hosted Lock Haven University, which entered the contest on a 44-game losing streak.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti has a new 8-year contract that will make him one of the Big Ten's highest paid coaches

Here's how and why Indiana and IU football coach Curt Cignetti came together to get a second contract extension done this season.

Recently, Indiana rewarded Cignetti for the success he has brought the football program. Amid rumors of other teams potentially trying to hire him away from the Hoosiers, they gave him an eight-year, $93 million contract to keep him around long-term. Cignetti could well finish his coaching career at Indiana.

Curt Cignetti often doesn't show emotion, but he couldn't hold back after a last-minute touchdown drive to take the lead and stay undefeated.