The Experience Arms Race: Why Indiana’s Blueprint Isn’t as Revolutionary as You Think
College football has always been a game of trends, and right now, the trend is clear: get old, stay old. Indiana’s meteoric rise under Curt Cignetti has made the Hoosiers the poster child for this strategy, but here’s the kicker—what Indiana did isn’t exactly groundbreaking. It’s just that they did it first, and they did it really well.
The Indiana Model: A Closer Look
Let’s start with the basics. Indiana’s success over the past two seasons has been built on a simple philosophy: prioritize experience over potential. Cignetti’s roster is packed with players who’ve already proven themselves, and that’s led to immediate results. But what’s fascinating is how quickly other programs have jumped on the bandwagon. Virginia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State—these teams are now topping the charts for experience in 2026.
Personally, I think this rush to replicate Indiana’s strategy is both predictable and a bit shortsighted. What many people don’t realize is that Indiana’s success wasn’t just about age; it was about context. Cignetti had a proven system, a staff that knew how to develop players, and a vision that aligned perfectly with the transfer portal’s potential. Most programs don’t have that luxury.
The Myth of the ‘Old’ Team
One thing that immediately stands out is the criticism Indiana faced for being ‘too old.’ During their 2025 national championship run, detractors pointed to the Hoosiers’ roster as evidence of a flawed system. But here’s the irony: their championship opponent, Miami, had an even older team. What this really suggests is that age isn’t the problem—it’s how you use it.
From my perspective, the focus on age misses the bigger picture. Indiana’s success wasn’t about having a bunch of 25-year-olds on the field; it was about having the right players in the right system. If you take a step back and think about it, experience is just one piece of the puzzle. Talent evaluation, player development, and coaching are equally, if not more, important.
The Copycat Conundrum
What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly other programs have tried to mimic Indiana’s approach. In 2026, teams like Virginia and Houston are going all-in on experienced transfers. But here’s the catch: just because you’re copying the blueprint doesn’t mean you’ll get the same results.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of coaching changes. Many of the teams now prioritizing experience brought in new head coaches this offseason. These coaches are leaning heavily on the transfer portal to build their rosters, but without the infrastructure Indiana had in place, they’re essentially rolling the dice.
The Future of the Experience Trend
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching college football, it’s that trends come and go. Indiana’s ‘get old, stay old’ mantra might be the flavor of the month, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. As more teams adopt this approach, the competitive advantage Indiana once had will start to erode.
What this really suggests is that the next frontier in college football will be about sustainability. Indiana is already moving away from relying solely on experienced transfers, with younger players like Khobie Martin stepping into bigger roles. This raises a deeper question: can the Hoosiers maintain their success as the rest of the country catches up?
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Indiana’s success isn’t just about their roster strategy—it’s about their ability to execute it better than anyone else. Yes, they were first to the party, but the party’s getting crowded now. As we head into the 2026 season, the real story isn’t about who’s the oldest; it’s about who can turn experience into excellence.
If you ask me, the teams that will thrive in this new landscape are the ones that understand experience is just one tool in the toolbox. Indiana might have started the trend, but the programs that figure out how to combine age with innovation will be the ones to watch. After all, in college football, being first is great—but being the best is what matters.
