Major head coach dubbed ‘portal king’ amid College Football Playoff

An ESPN analyst declares this Big Ten coach the transfer portal king given the program's dominant run and continued success in adding talent.

This Big Ten coach is in the midst of one of the most impressive runs in college football history, and he's getting it done on the field as well as in the transfer portal. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The landscape of college football has shifted dramatically toward rapid roster construction and immediate results. One program stands above the rest this season as the lone undefeated team remaining in the hunt for the national title. The leader of this squad has orchestrated a masterclass in talent acquisition that has propelled his team to the sport's biggest stage.

Following a decisive victory in the College Football Playoff semifinal, the conversation quickly turned to how this roster was assembled. ESPN analyst Steve Stenstrom took the opportunity to reevaluate the hierarchy of coaches who specialize in the transfer market. He suggested that the previous standard-bearer for roster management has been surpassed by the head coach of the nation's top-ranked team.

Stenstrom pointed to the evaluation of key positions and the seamless integration of new talent as the primary differentiators. While many programs struggle to integrate incoming veterans into the established culture, this specific team has thrived.

The analyst believes this success signals a changing of the guard regarding who truly dominates the offseason acquisition period.

ESPN analyst praises Curt Cignetti as the new king of the transfer portal

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has officially claimed the title of "portal king" according to Stenstrom. The declaration came shortly after the Hoosiers dismantled the Oregon Ducks 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal. Stenstrom appeared on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt to discuss how Cignetti built a juggernaut in Bloomington using the transfer portal.

Stenstrom highlighted his early belief in Indiana's potential success. He specifically credited Cignetti’s evaluation of quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

"Because I really liked Fernando Mendoza. I watched him at Cal. I knew guys that coached him there. And I just know how buttoned up he is," Stenstrom said. "And then you become a part of something like this where everyone is on the same page."

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (left), winner of this year's Heisman, and head coach Curt Cignetti linked up via the transfer portal in December 2024 and will compete for a national championship on Jan. 19. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The conversation shifted to a comparison with LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is frequently cited as the best recruiter in the transfer era. Stenstrom argued that Cignetti's results and future outlook have stolen that crown.

"And I said today on College GameDay. Lane Kiffin is the self-proclaimed portal king. Cignetti is the portal king. We talked about it. Look at what he's already done for next year," Stenstrom said.

The Hoosiers have already secured commitments for the 2026 season that back up Stenstrom’s claim. Cignetti has landed TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh. These additions have helped Indiana climb into the top five of the transfer portal team rankings according to On3.

Stenstrom noted that this forward-thinking approach answers the biggest doubt critics had about the program's longevity.

"Lane Kiffin is the self-proclaimed portal king, [Curt] Cignetti is the portal king."@StanfordSteve82 saw Indiana's rise coming 📈 pic.twitter.com/ItYkYUAItv

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2026

"And that was the big question. Is this thing, as this train rolled along this year. All right, well, he's got all the JMU guys and he's got Mendoza. What's he gonna do next year? He's pretty set up for it," Stenstrom said.

Support from alumni such as Mark Cuban has provided the necessary resources for this aggressive strategy. Cignetti now looks to cap this historic run with a championship trophy.

The Hoosiers will face Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.