Who is the new 'Portal King' in college football?

Curt Cignetti, the head coach of Indiana University, has been named the new 'Portal King' for his success in recruiting via the transfer portal.

How many transfers did Indiana sign in 2024?

Indiana signed 30 transfers in the 2024 cycle, with 13 of them coming from James Madison University.

What impact has the transfer portal had on college football?

The transfer portal has significantly changed college football roster construction, allowing teams to quickly fill gaps and upgrade talent, leading to rapid program turnarounds.

Home / Sports / Cignetti Crowned New Portal King

Cignetti Crowned New Portal King

9 Jan

•

Summary

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is the new 'Portal King'.
Indiana secured 30 transfers in 2024, 13 from James Madison.
Transfer portal classes have dramatically reshaped college football rosters.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has emerged as the new "Portal King" in college football, surpassing Lane Kiffin's previous dominance. Cignetti's strategy has rapidly transformed the Hoosiers into a top-tier program, evidenced by their success in the transfer portal. In 2024 alone, Indiana signed 30 transfers, including 13 from Cignetti's former team, James Madison, with many quickly becoming impact starters.

Since Cignetti's arrival, Indiana has significantly upgraded its roster through the portal. The team secured 22 transfers prior to this season, with notable successes like Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza (Cal quarterback) and impactful offensive lineman Pat Coogan (Notre Dame center). The Hoosiers continued their aggressive portal activity in January 2026, securing top talents like quarterback Josh Hoover from TCU.

Indiana's approach mirrors Ole Miss's past success, with transfers accounting for nearly 65 percent of starts. While Kiffin, now at LSU, still utilizes the portal, Cignetti's rapid acceleration of Indiana into national contention faster than any peer solidifies his claim to the "Portal King" title for now.