Gov. Mike Braun honors IU coach Curt Cignetti with Indiana’s top honor

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — He led the Hoosiers to a historic National Championship, now he's been given Indiana's top honor.

Gov. Mike Braun honored Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti with the 2026 Sachem Award.

It's Indiana's highest honor for people who have shaped the state through character, leadership and service.

Braun said Cignetti showed the world the Hoosier values of grit, perseverance and hard work.

"Never daunted, Coach Curt Cignetti represented the state of Indiana on the national stage and showed the world that the Hoosier values of grit, perseverance, and no-excuses hard work are the way to victory," Braun said Wednesday in a news release.

The Sachem Award is only given once a year, chosen by the governor.

The governor also awarded every member of the undefeated 2025 team with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, honoring Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to history.