Cignetti Previews Season Opener Against North Texas

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti held his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday's season opener against North Texas. He said the Hoosiers exited fall camp healthy, with only freshman tight end Trevor Gibbs questionable. Cignetti is studying film from North Texas coach Neal Brown's previous stops and Baylor tape for their new defensive coordinator.

Indiana enters the opener with a clean bill of health, a notable advantage given the physical toll of fall camp. The only concern is freshman tight end Trevor Gibbs, who may miss Saturday's game. Cignetti's preparation for North Texas involves studying film from coach Neal Brown's West Virginia tenure and Baylor footage to understand the Mean Green's new defensive coordinator.

Tayven Jackson's return adds a storyline, as the former Hoosier quarterback helped Indiana secure key wins in 2024 before transferring. The fan base's enthusiasm has shifted dramatically since Cignetti's first season, when he publicly urged supporters to stay through games. Now, after a championship run, home-field energy is expected to be a factor.