Indiana's breakthrough brings joy, and some programs should feel uneasy

Indiana finished 16-0 under coach Curt Cignetti, and the piece highlights several established programs that fell short of expectations this season.

Indiana completed a 16-0 season under coach Curt Cignetti and won the national title, prompting widespread optimism for the program. The article examines which established programs may feel they fell short in comparison. It notes contrasts between Indiana's rapid rise and the struggles or questions facing several long-standing football powers. The tone is reflective about shifting expectations across college football. Noted developments: - Curt Cignetti led Indiana to a 16-0 season and a national championship, including a dominant semifinal win mentioned in the article. - Penn State is described as still seeking a title for decades, landed coach Matt Campbell after a 7-6 season in 2025, and lost out on trying to hire Cignetti. - Tennessee returned to respectability in recent years but had setbacks in 2025, made a coordinator change and missed portal quarterback targets, creating questions about 2026. - USC has high-profile departures and coaching struggles in recent seasons, and its recent results are contrasted with Indiana's rise. - Miami reached the final moments against Indiana but failed to finish, and the article notes continued uncertainty despite progress under Mario Cristobal. - Programs such as Texas, Oregon and Notre Dame are highlighted as well-resourced teams that nonetheless underperformed relative to expectations this season. Summary: Indiana's perfect season and title have prompted reflection on programs that invested heavily yet did not reach the same heights this year. Several traditional powers are cited for personnel, coaching or performance questions that now stand in sharper relief after Indiana's run. Undetermined at this time.