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Penn State may have to go all-in on Matt Rhule thanks to Curt Cignetti's huge deal

Indiana locked down Curt Cignetti with a massive extension amid talks of Penn State wanting to go after the Hoosiers' head coach.
ByEricka Brockish|
Oct 11, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks on the field during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks on the field during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Since Penn State fired head coach James Franklin, every conversation about the Nittany Lions is about who will come in to replace him. There have been many names thrown around, the most popular one being Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who had just led the Hoosiers to a win against No. 3 Oregon in the program's biggest win ever.

There has also been another prominent name circling around, and that is Nebraska's own Matt Rhule. Unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, Rhule has strong ties to Penn State, having played football there and graduated from the university. He also has a strong relationship with athletic director Pat Kraft, but fans were happy to blow the smoke towards Cignetti.

Well, Indiana did its due diligence and locked up Cignetti with a contract extension, and a big one at that.

Indiana signed Cignetti to a contract extension, making Matt Rhule the obvious choice for Penn State head coach opening

Indiana knew that Cignetti had been the key to the success of the Hoosier football program for the last year and a half, and they were going to do everything in their power to keep him in Bloomington. Well, when everyone is saying Penn State has the money to lure Cignetti away, what better way to keep him around than with a contract extension and a raise?

Cignetti signed a new eight-year contract with an average annual salary of $11.6 million. His contract now runs through the end of November 2033, and it is clear the Hoosiers plan to keep him around as long as possible.

This is bad news for Nebraska, as it makes the most sense for Penn State to now focus all of its energy on getting Rhule in the building. While Rhule has always talked about how much he loves Nebraska, he has not officially come out and said he isn't planning on leaving if the right job is offered.

Sadly for Nebraska fans, that right job could very well be with the Nittany Lions. It is the dream scenario for any former player to go back to where it all started. All eyes will continue to be on Penn State to see who they try to go after, but right now, all signs could be pointing at Matt Rhule.

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