Curt Cignetti Reacts to Viral Memes of Sideline Emotions During Indiana's CFP Bracket Run

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has confirmed his facial expressions do change, though he's not likely to show off the happier ones when he is coaching during games.

Ahead of Friday's College Football Playoff semifinal against Oregon, Cignetti told reporters that his stoic demeanor on the sidelines is intentional:

"There's a lot of times I am happy. I just don't show I'm happy. If I'm going to ask my players to play the first game, first play to play [No.] 150 the same, regardless of competitive circumstances, then I can't be seen on the sideline high-fiving people and celebrating, or what's going to happen, right? What's the effect going to be? So that's why I am like I am during game."

Cignetti's visage has turned into one of the best sports-related memes as Indiana has risen through the ranks to become a national powerhouse program over the past two years.

Even though Cignetti's on-camera expression rarely changes—or when it does, it's usually to go from stoic to mad—he did say there are "times" when he is happy and will let his staff see it on occasion.

"I'll smile and celebrate later in the coaches room with the coaches, you know, maybe have a beer," he said.

Cignetti added that it was "pretty fun" arriving at the hotel with his wife and kids for the Peach Bowl.

One way that Cignetti might let his guard down is if Indiana is able to cap off its historic 2025 season with a championship. The Hoosiers are two wins away from pulling off that feat and their first unbeaten season since 1945.

Indiana will play Oregon in the Peach Bowl on Friday, with the winner advancing to the College Football Playoff Championship Game.