Big Ten Huddle polls conference fans, who give Indiana a shocking edge

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) is pushed by Illinois' Dylan Rosiek (28) as he runs during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) is pushed by Illinois' Dylan Rosiek (28) as he runs during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"The Big Ten Huddle" podcast asked Midwest college football fans who was the better coach, Dan Lanning or Curt Cignetti.

In his fourth year as a head coach Dan Lanning has compiled a 40-6 record before age 40. Cignetti, 64, didn't reach the Power 4 until last year, but he's 135-37 over a long career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elon, James Madison and the Hoosiers. In his second season at Indiana he's 16-2, with losses to No. 2 Ohio State and No. 7 Notre Dame.

After 1,047 votes, 58.7 percent of the fans chose Cignetti as the better coach, buying into the argument that he's done more with less. Last season he took a team of Group of 6 transfers and holdovers and went 11-2. The season before IU was 3-9, 1-8 in the Big Ten.

"Lanning was born on third base," one fan said.

Said another, "Lanning has top talent and unlimited resources, Cig is a better coach."

West Coast College Football notes that when the Hoosiers take the field against Oregon on Saturday, Indiana will have seven four- and five-star players on their roster, which ranks 72nd in the country. The Ducks will have 58, according to the 247Sports Talent Composite.

That may be true, but talent evaluation and acquisition is part of the job for a college football coach, some might say the most important part of the job.

"Doing more with less" only takes a program so far. In his two seasons as a Power 4 coach, Cignetti has one win over a ranked team, but it was an impressive one. On September 20 the Hoosiers pounded No. 9 Illinois 63-10.

ESPN College GameDay is in town for the matchup of Top Ten teams, 12:30 p.m. PT on CBS from Autzen Stadium. It's also a matchup of Heisman Trophy candidates at quarterback, the Duck's Dante Moore versus Fernando Mendoza.

"It's an exciting week in Eugene," Lanning said. "A lot of people are coming into town to watch this game because it's a premiere game between two really, really good teams."

A win on Saturday won't settle the debate as far as which of these two coaches is better. Only winning in the playoff would create true separation.

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