Curt Cignetti just snatched the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten coach rankings for 2026, a move that should have college football fans absolutely buzzing. This isn’t just some minor shuffle, folks, he actually leapfrogged Ohio State’s Ryan Day to claim the top spot after pulling off the impossible and winning a national title with *Indiana*. Yeah, you read that right, Indiana.
The Indiana Miracle Man Just Keeps Delivering
Seriously, where else could you even put this guy? Cignetti’s national ranking is now No. 1 overall, and it feels absolutely earned. He was Big Ten’s No. 6 last year, but in only two years, he took a program nobody even thought about and turned it into one you cannot escape. There’s a legit argument out there that Cignetti is the greatest coaching hire in history, in *any* sport, period. The Big Ten has been on an absolute tear, winning three straight national titles with three different schools, but Cignetti’s Indiana triumph is what put him over the top. It’s a testament to what this guy can do, and it sets the stage for an insane 2026 season.
Ryan Day’s Ohio State Stumble and the Ducks’ Title Hunt
Now, let’s talk about Ryan Day. He dropped to No. 2 in the Big Ten rankings, with a national rank of No. 3. Ohio State didn’t repeat their national title in 2025, which, let’s be real, is a tough feat for anyone these days, especially with the 12-team playoff. Still, the Buckeyes rolled out to a 12-0 start and finally got that Michigan monkey off their back. The bitter taste comes from losing their final two games of the year to Indiana (ouch!) and Miami. A 12-2 record usually feels great, but for Ohio State and Day, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Meanwhile, Dan Lanning at Oregon slid into the No. 3 spot in the Big Ten (No. 5 nationally). He’s won the Big Ten and made the College Football Playoff each of the last two years, even grabbing his first CFP win last season. The only thing left for Lanning and Oregon is that national title. They are entering 2026 as one of the favorites, and Lanning gets major credit for that. Then you have Kyle Whittingham at Michigan, ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 10 nationally. He’s making waves as a “bigger coaching upgrade in the country,” which tells you he’s building something serious.
The 2026 season is gonna be epic. With Cignetti sitting on top, Day looking for redemption, and Lanning gunning for a national title, the stakes are sky-high for every single one of these guys. You know everyone is already counting down the days to see what happens next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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