After Indiana football won the National Championship on January 19, the team received another national honor Tuesday, with head coach Curt Cignetti and former quarterback Fernando Mendoza being featured in Time Magazine's TIME100 Sports, a list of the 100 most influential figures in the sporting world.
In the inaugural sports list, Cignetti and Mendoza join a collection of renowned figures, including LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Caitlin Clark and numerous others. The list separates athletes and coaches into categories of icons, titans, innovators and leaders.
Cignetti was recognized in the “Titans” section of the list. He came to Indiana after the Hoosiers finished the season with a 3-9 record. TIME highlighted Cignettis’ “Google me” statement in his introductory press conference.
In Cignetti’s first two seasons, the Hoosiers have a 27-2 record and won a national championship. This past season, Indiana finished 16-0, the first team to reach that record since Yale University in 1894. Cignetti is the only football coach featured on the list.
Mendoza also received recognition for his role in the undefeated 2025-26 Indiana team. While with the team for only one season, Mendoza has left a lasting impression, becoming the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy.
After leading Indiana to the top of the college football world, Mendoza looks to continue his success with the Las Vegas Raiders after being selected first overall at the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza is one of four NFL players on the list.
Cignetti begins his third season with Indiana at home against the University of North Texas on Sept. 5, while Mendoza and the Raiders start their preseason schedule at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 13.
