Indiana's Rise Sparks a Blueprint for Nebraska's Big Ten Comeback

Indiana’s rapid rise under Curt Cignetti, including a Big Ten title and a CFP semifinal win over Oregon behind Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, offers a blueprint built on strong lines, confident QB play, and smart transfer de/roster moves. Nebraska, by contrast, faces fragile run defense, a porous red zone, and quarterback uncertainty, and must fix its offensive line, leverage the transfer portal for game-changing players, and sustain pressure through coaching tweaks. Rhule has already reshaped the staff (OL coach replaced, new DC, and added edge and QB-focused coaches) to close the gap, but with a Big Ten full of powerhouses like Michigan and Ohio State, Nebraska needs to elevate its program to the conference’s upper tier, just as Indiana is doing in this changing era.