CBS Sports prediction spells trouble for Curt Cignetti and Indiana football after CFP run

Curt Cignetti wasted no time rewriting the narrative in Bloomington, guiding Indiana football to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in his debut season. The Hoosiers shocked the nation — but keeping that momentum? 

That’s where doubt is starting to creep in.

At least one CBS Sports analyst isn’t convinced Indiana’s breakthrough is built to last.

CBS Sports is already bracing for what could be a harsh reality check for Indiana in 2025, laying out a worst-case scenario that brings the Hoosiers crashing back to earth.

The prediction? A 5-7 season that sees Indiana tumble from national contender to missing a bowl entirely — a complete reversal from last year’s historic run.

CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli mapped out exactly how things could go sideways for Cignetti’s squad — and it starts with roster concerns and a brutal schedule.

“The transfers don’t hit as well, and the Hoosiers find themselves struggling against a difficult road schedule that includes Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State,” Fornelli wrote. “They also drop a few home games to teams like Illinois and Wisconsin and go from the CFP in 2024 to missing a bowl in 2025.”

In other words — the magic doesn’t carry over, the roster turnover bites hard, and the Hoosiers find themselves overwhelmed in their second season under Cignetti.

Indiana’s 2024 season captured national attention and elevated expectations overnight. But as history shows, one breakout season doesn’t guarantee long-term success — especially in a Big Ten that’s only getting tougher with the additions of Oregon and others.

And things aren’t getting any easier with star quarterback Kurtis Rourke leaving early for the NFL Draft. Sure, Indiana picked up Fernando Mendoza from California through the transfer portal, but can he really help the Hoosiers build on last year’s success?

That’s the big question Cignetti has to figure out.

Can Indiana prove that the playoff run was the start of something real — or will the tough fall Fornelli predicts become reality?