(Indianapolis, IN) – Gov. Mike Braun on Wednesday honored Indiana University football Coach Curt Cignetti for his leadership and service to the State of Indiana with the 2026 Sachem Award, which is Indiana’s highest honor.
The governor also awarded every member of the undefeated 2025 championship-winning Indiana Hoosiers team with the Sagamore of the Wabash, accepted by Coach Cignetti and IU President Pamela Whitten.
“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. I’m honoring Coach Cignetti with Indiana’s highest award, and awarding the whole championship Hoosiers team with the Sagamore of the Wabash to celebrate their historic achievement for our state,” said Gov. Braun.
First Lady and IU alumna Maureen Braun helped the governor deliver the award.
She graduated from IU in 1976, the last time a Hoosiers team – men’s basketball – went undefeated.
The Governor’s Office says the Sachem is reserved for those who have profoundly shaped Indiana through character, leadership, and service.
Only one award is presented per year, and is chosen by Indiana’s Governor.
