Curt Cignetti to receive the 2026 Stallings Award

Curt Cignetti, head football coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, will receive the 2026 Stallings Award for his remarkable football season, transformational leadership, and meaningful impact in the community.

In his tenure as Indiana’s head coach, Cignetti has quickly elevated the Hoosiers to national prominence, guiding the

program to conference championships, postseason appearances, a national championship vicotry, and regular showings in the national rankings while building a culture of discipline, resilience, and competitiveness. His coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, meticulous preparation, and player development, resulting in on‑field success and significant personal growth for his student‑athletes.

Cignetti’s commitment extends far beyond the field, where he has encouraged his team to embrace service as a core part of the Indiana experience. Through Indiana’s broader “Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers” and “Hoosiers Giving Hope” initiatives, his players engage in outreach efforts that support literacy, health, and families facing medical challenges, including partnerships with Riley Children’s Hospital and other community organizations across the state. In addition, Indiana student‑athletes work with local charities through Hoosiers for Good, using their platforms to raise awareness and support for causes that directly benefit the Bloomington and statewide communities.

Cignetti has also embraced the modern landscape of college athletics by championing opportunities that directly benefit his players and their futures. Recently, he auctioned his national championship headset to generate funds to strengthen the Hoosiers’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, underscoring his dedication to enhancing the support structure around his student‑athletes. This effort reflects his belief that excellence includes educating players on leadership, responsibility, and navigating today’s collegiate environment with integrity.

In its 15th year, The Stallings Award continues to celebrate the values Coach Gene Stallings exemplified throughout his legendary coaching career – leadership, compassion, and service. Coach Cignetti earned this recognition for his exceptional coaching record, his investment in the lives of his players, and his unwavering commitment to community engagement. Proceeds from the Stallings Award benefit The Ashford Rise School of Dallas, which provides high‑quality early education services to children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, in tribute to Coach Stallings’ late son, Johnny.

The Stallings Award will be held in May 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

The Stallings Awards Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association.