Indiana Coach Cignetti Sends Message to Star Transfer with Pre-Practice Dress Code Lesson

Cignetti called out wide receiver Nick Marsh over gold shoes before spring practice began.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:54am

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In his second season as Indiana's head coach, Curt Cignetti led the Hoosiers to their first national championship. As the team opened spring practice, Cignetti immediately sent a message to incoming transfer wide receiver Nick Marsh, who arrived wearing gold cleats. Cignetti said he "didn't love those gold shoes" and that Marsh "learned what getting your a-- ripped is all about," noting it likely didn't happen often at his previous school, Michigan State.

Why it matters

Cignetti is known for his demanding coaching style, and this incident highlights his commitment to instilling discipline and setting high standards for his players, even star transfers like Marsh. It also suggests the coaching staff has more work to do with the new transfer class compared to the first two teams Cignetti has led at Indiana.

The details

Marsh, who transferred from Michigan State, totaled 1,311 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns over two seasons with the Spartans. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover is another high-profile transfer addition for Indiana. Cignetti said the coaching staff has "more work to do with this group than the first two teams," as the new players are still learning the program's expectations.

  • Indiana opened spring practice on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana football team, who led the Hoosiers to their first national championship in his second season.

Nick Marsh

A wide receiver who transferred to Indiana from Michigan State, where he totaled 1,311 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns over two seasons.

Josh Hoover

A quarterback who transferred to Indiana from TCU and is another high-profile addition to the Hoosiers' roster.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't love those gold shoes he came out in today. He learned what getting your a-- ripped is all about. I don't know if that happened to him very often at Michigan State. That was before practice started.”

— Curt Cignetti, Head Coach, Indiana

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights Coach Cignetti's demanding coaching style and his commitment to instilling discipline in his players, even star transfers like Nick Marsh. It suggests the coaching staff has more work to do with the new transfer class to ensure they fully embrace the program's high standards and expectations.