Indiana Hoosiers 2026 Football Schedule Breakdown, Predictions and Prop Bets

The Indiana Hoosiers enter the 2026 college football season in unfamiliar but exciting territory. After completing a perfect 16-0 season and defeating Miami 27-21 to capture the program’s first national championship, Indiana is no longer attempting to surprise the college football world. The Hoosiers are now defending a championship while carrying legitimate expectations of returning to the College Football Playoff.

Head coach Curt Cignetti’s team begins the season ranked No. 6 in the preseason Coaches Poll and received 14 first-place votes. Indiana’s schedule includes four preseason Top 20 opponents: No. 1 Ohio State, No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan and No. 19 Washington.

Indiana must also replace Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. TCU transfer Josh Hoover entered the offseason as the leading candidate to take over an offense that played a central role in the national championship run.

The schedule provides Indiana with several important advantages. The Hoosiers will play eight games at Memorial Stadium, including their first four contests and major conference matchups against Ohio State and USC. They will play only four true road games, but those trips include challenging assignments at Nebraska, Michigan and Washington.

The greatest concern is the placement of the bye week. Indiana will play nine consecutive weeks before finally receiving an open date on November 7.

Indiana Hoosiers 2026 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time and TV

Saturday, Sept. 5 North Texas Memorial Stadium Noon, FOX

Saturday, Sept. 12 Howard Memorial Stadium Noon, BTN

Saturday, Sept. 19 Western Kentucky Memorial Stadium4 p.m., Peacock

Friday, Sept. 25 Northwestern Memorial Stadium8 p.m., FOX

Saturday, Oct. 3 at Rutgers SHI Stadium8 p.m., network TBA

Saturday, Oct. 10 at Nebraska Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 17 Ohio State Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 24 at Michigan Michigan Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 31 Minnesota Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Nov. 7 Bye week——

Saturday, Nov. 14 USC Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Nov. 21 at Washington Husky Stadium TBA

Saturday, Nov. 28 Purdue Memorial Stadium TBA

Indiana’s first three games and its Friday night conference opener already have confirmed television assignments. The remaining kickoff times will be announced through the Big Ten’s television-selection process.

September 5: North Texas

Indiana begins its national championship defense at home against North Texas in a nationally televised game on FOX.

The matchup gives Hoover and the rebuilt portions of Indiana’s offense an opportunity to establish confidence before the schedule becomes more demanding. North Texas is capable of producing offense and should not be dismissed completely, but Indiana will possess significant advantages in depth, defense and overall talent.

The biggest challenge may be emotional. The Hoosiers will enter the field for the first time as defending national champions, creating a celebratory atmosphere that could become distracting if the team is not focused.

Indiana should eventually control the line of scrimmage and pull away, but North Texas could test a secondary breaking in new responsibilities.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

September 12: Howard

Indiana’s second game should be the most manageable contest on the schedule.

Howard competes at the Football Championship Subdivision level and will enter Memorial Stadium facing a major disadvantage in size, depth and overall roster talent. The noon kickoff should give Indiana an opportunity to take control early and expand the rotation during the second half.

This game will be especially valuable for Hoover and Indiana’s younger offensive players. The Hoosiers must replace several important contributors from the championship team, and meaningful repetitions could help prepare the new starters for Big Ten competition.

Indiana’s primary goals should be winning comfortably, avoiding injuries and providing experience to its reserves.

Difficulty level: Low

September 19: Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky will provide Indiana with a more legitimate nonconference test.

The Hilltoppers have consistently developed productive passing attacks and will arrive in Bloomington without the pressure placed on the defending national champions. Indiana must be prepared for an opponent willing to play aggressively, use tempo and challenge the secondary.

The 4 p.m. kickoff on Peacock will also be Indiana’s final traditional Saturday game before opening Big Ten play on a short week.

The Hoosiers should have major advantages along the offensive and defensive lines. However, Western Kentucky could keep the game competitive if Indiana commits turnovers or allows explosive passing plays.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

September 25: Northwestern

Indiana opens Big Ten competition on Friday night against Northwestern.

The unusual Friday kickoff gives the Hoosiers only six days to recover from Western Kentucky. Indiana will remain at home, limiting the inconvenience, but the shorter preparation period still creates an additional challenge.

Northwestern will likely attempt to slow the game down, limit possessions and force Indiana to execute consistently. The Wildcats cannot afford to become involved in an open, high-scoring contest against the Hoosiers’ deeper roster.

Indiana should win, but this will be the team’s first conference game with Hoover leading the offense. The Hoosiers must avoid looking ahead to their first road trip.

Difficulty level: Moderate

October 3: at Rutgers

Indiana’s first road game comes at Rutgers in an 8 p.m. kickoff.

The Scarlet Knights will celebrate Homecoming and should provide Indiana with a difficult road environment. Rutgers has built a physical identity and will attempt to create pressure through defense, special teams and a disciplined running game.

The Hoosiers must prove that their championship-level execution can travel. Crowd noise, communication and ball security will become more important than they were during the four-game opening homestand.

Indiana should have the more talented roster, but Rutgers could make the game uncomfortable if the Hoosiers start slowly.

Difficulty level: Moderate

October 10: at Nebraska

The trip to Lincoln may be Indiana’s most dangerous trap game.

Nebraska will have one of the loudest home environments the Hoosiers encounter all season. The Cornhuskers should also possess enough size and talent to challenge Indiana physically for four quarters.

The positioning of the matchup increases its difficulty. Indiana will be playing its second consecutive road game, while No. 1 Ohio State waits the following Saturday in Bloomington.

Indiana cannot allow the anticipation surrounding Ohio State to affect its preparation. A loss at Nebraska would immediately increase the pressure on the Hoosiers before the most difficult portion of the schedule.

This matchup may not receive the same national attention as Ohio State, Michigan, USC or Washington, but it is one of Indiana’s most important games.

Difficulty level: High

October 17: Ohio State

Indiana’s home game against Ohio State is the marquee matchup of the regular season.

The contest will feature the defending national champion Hoosiers against the preseason No. 1 team in the country. It is also a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game.

Ohio State returns quarterback Julian Sayin and will arrive with another roster filled with future NFL players. Indiana will need to generate pressure without sacrificing coverage against the Buckeyes’ explosive passing game.

The location gives the Hoosiers an important advantage. Memorial Stadium should produce one of the most intense atmospheres in Indiana football history.

A victory would give the Hoosiers one of the strongest résumé wins in the country and place them in excellent position to return to the Big Ten Championship Game. A loss would not eliminate Indiana from playoff consideration, but it would make the following trip to Michigan even more important.

Difficulty level: Very high

October 24: at Michigan

Indiana receives no opportunity to recover after facing Ohio State.

One week later, the Hoosiers travel to Michigan Stadium to play the No. 16 Wolverines. Michigan’s physical style, home-field advantage and defensive talent make this one of Indiana’s most demanding road games.

The sequence is particularly challenging. Indiana must move from the emotion and national attention of the Ohio State game directly into a road matchup before more than 100,000 fans.

The Hoosiers must protect Hoover, avoid negative plays and prevent Michigan from controlling possession with its running game. Indiana cannot allow the Ohio State result—whether positive or negative—to carry into Ann Arbor.

Winning both the Ohio State and Michigan games would establish Indiana as one of the clear favorites to win another national championship.

Difficulty level: Very high

October 31: Minnesota

Indiana concludes a brutal October by hosting Minnesota on Homecoming.

The Golden Gophers may not possess the same national profile as Ohio State or Michigan, but they have the physical style needed to challenge a tired Indiana team.

This will be Indiana’s ninth consecutive game without a bye. The Hoosiers will have faced road games at Rutgers and Nebraska, followed by Ohio State and Michigan, during the previous four weeks.

Minnesota will attempt to shorten the game, control the clock and take advantage of any emotional fatigue. Indiana should be favored at home, but the Hoosiers cannot assume that surviving Ohio State and Michigan guarantees an easy victory the following week.

This is another significant trap-game possibility.

Difficulty level: Moderate

November 7: Bye Week

Indiana’s bye arrives later than ideal, but it comes before another demanding stretch.

The Hoosiers will have played nine consecutive games before receiving their open week. The break should help the players recover physically after a difficult October and give the coaching staff additional time to prepare for USC’s explosive offense.

The bye also divides Indiana’s season into two clear sections. The Hoosiers must survive the opening nine-game run before facing USC, Washington and Purdue over the final three weeks.

November 14: USC

Indiana returns from its bye to host No. 14 USC.

The Trojans will bring speed, athleticism and a dangerous passing attack to Bloomington. The matchup could force Indiana into one of its highest-scoring games of the season.

The bye week gives Indiana additional time to prepare, while USC must travel across multiple time zones to play at Memorial Stadium. Those schedule advantages could become important during the second half.

Indiana’s secondary will face a major test, and the Hoosiers must prevent USC from generating early momentum through explosive plays.

A victory would strengthen Indiana’s playoff résumé and could prove critical in the race to reach the Big Ten Championship Game.

Difficulty level: High

November 21: at Washington

Indiana’s final road game is one of its most difficult.

The Hoosiers must travel to Seattle to face No. 19 Washington at Husky Stadium. The long trip, time-zone change and hostile environment create significant obstacles late in the season.

Washington should have the offensive talent to challenge Indiana vertically and the home-field advantage to make communication difficult. The Huskies could also enter the game competing for a conference-championship or playoff position.

The timing is challenging because Indiana will be coming off an important home game against USC. The Hoosiers must quickly recover before making their longest trip of the season.

This is the game most likely to determine whether Indiana reaches the regular-season finale with its Big Ten championship goals intact.

Difficulty level: High

November 28: Purdue

Indiana closes the regular season at home against Purdue in the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry.

The Hoosiers will be favored, but rivalry games can become unpredictable. Purdue would consider preventing Indiana from reaching the Big Ten Championship Game or damaging its playoff position a major accomplishment.

Indiana should possess significant advantages in talent, depth and recent program momentum. Memorial Stadium will also provide an emotional Senior Day environment for the final home appearance of the season.

The Hoosiers cannot overlook Purdue, especially if the Washington trip was physically demanding. Indiana must establish control early and prevent the Boilermakers from gaining confidence.

Difficulty level: Low to non-existent

Toughest Game: Ohio State

Ohio State represents Indiana’s greatest test.

The Buckeyes begin the season ranked No. 1 and return their starting quarterback. Their combination of elite recruiting, depth and explosive offensive talent will challenge every part of Indiana’s roster.

Indiana has the advantage of playing at Memorial Stadium, and the championship-game rematch should create an extraordinary atmosphere. The result could determine which team controls the race to reach Indianapolis.

A victory would demonstrate that Indiana remains capable of defeating the country’s most talented programs despite losing its Heisman-winning quarterback.

Toughest Road Game: Michigan

Michigan Stadium and the placement of the game make the trip to Ann Arbor Indiana’s toughest road assignment.

The Hoosiers will face Michigan only seven days after playing Ohio State. Preparing for two physical, highly ranked opponents in consecutive weeks will test Indiana’s depth and emotional discipline.

Washington may present more difficult travel, but Michigan’s physical style and massive home crowd make the Wolverines the more complete road challenge.

Biggest Trap Game: at Nebraska

The Nebraska game sits in a dangerous position.

Indiana will be playing its second consecutive road contest and could naturally begin looking ahead to the highly anticipated matchup with Ohio State. Nebraska’s crowd and physical approach will punish the Hoosiers if they are not fully prepared.

The Cornhuskers do not need to be nationally ranked to threaten Indiana. A slow start, a few turnovers or special-teams mistakes could place the defending champions in a difficult fourth-quarter situation.

Most Important Stretch

Indiana’s season will likely be determined by a six-game stretch beginning in Lincoln:

• October 10: at Nebraska
• October 17: Ohio State
• October 24: at Michigan
• October 31: Minnesota
• November 7: Bye week
• November 14: USC
• November 21: at Washington

Four opponents in that sequence entered August ranked in the preseason Top 20. Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington will each provide Indiana with an opportunity to strengthen—or damage—its playoff résumé.

The Hoosiers must also manage nine consecutive games before the bye. Roster depth, injury management and the ability to remain emotionally consistent will become essential.

Schedule Advantages

Indiana’s eight home games represent the greatest advantage on the schedule.

The Hoosiers will play their first four games in Bloomington, giving Hoover an extended opportunity to become comfortable as the starting quarterback. Indiana also hosts Ohio State and USC rather than traveling to Columbus or Los Angeles.

The nonconference schedule contains no road games. North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky should allow Indiana to develop its offense before Big Ten competition becomes more demanding.

Indiana also avoids consecutive road games after October 10. The Hoosiers will return home between every remaining road assignment.

Schedule Concerns

The greatest concern is the absence of an early bye.

Indiana will play every week from September 5 through October 31. That nine-game run ends with consecutive matchups against Ohio State, Michigan and Minnesota.

The schedule also includes four preseason Top 20 opponents. Although Indiana hosts Ohio State and USC, the Hoosiers must travel to Michigan and Washington.

Replacing Mendoza adds another layer of uncertainty. Hoover has experience, but taking over for a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion creates enormous expectations.

Indiana’s margin for error is larger than it was before the expanded playoff, but three regular-season losses could leave the Hoosiers dependent on results elsewhere.

Indiana 2026 Schedule Grade: B+

Indiana’s schedule is difficult enough to build a strong playoff résumé but favorable enough to support another championship run.

Playing eight home games is a major benefit. The opening six-game stretch provides a realistic path to an undefeated start, while Ohio State and USC must come to Bloomington.

The schedule becomes much more difficult in the second half. Consecutive games against Ohio State and Michigan will test Indiana’s championship credentials, while USC and Washington create additional challenges in November.

The late bye and four ranked opponents prevent the schedule from receiving an A, but Indiana has been given a reasonable path to 10 or more victories.

Indiana 2026 Record Prediction: 10-2

Indiana should enter the Ohio State game with an opportunity to remain undefeated.

The Hoosiers will be clear favorites against Howard, Western Kentucky, Northwestern, Rutgers, Minnesota and Purdue. North Texas should also be manageable, while the road game at Nebraska represents the greatest threat during the first six weeks.

Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington are the four games most likely to determine Indiana’s record. Winning all four would be extremely difficult, especially with Michigan and Washington played on the road.

A 11-1 or 10-2 finish is areasonable projection. That record should keep Indiana in serious College Football Playoff contention and could be enough to earn a return trip to the Big Ten Championship Game, depending on conference tiebreakers.

Indiana 2026 Season Prop Bets

The following selections are projected betting angles based primarily on Indiana’s schedule. Sportsbooks may post different totals, odds and rules, and some markets may not be offered until closer to the season.

Prop Bet #1: Indiana Over 9.5 Regular-Season Wins

Indiana has eight home games and a manageable nonconference schedule.

The Hoosiers should be favored in at least eight games and could be favored in 10 or more. Reaching 10 victories would require Indiana to take care of its more favorable matchups and earn at least two wins from its most difficult group of games.

Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington present major obstacles, but Indiana can split those four games and still reach 10-2 by avoiding an upset elsewhere.

The championship experience and home-heavy schedule make the over a reasonable season-long position.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Indiana Over 9.5 Regular-Season Wins

• Eight Home Games
• Manageable Nonconference Slate
• Championship Experience

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Prop Bet #2: Indiana to Make the College Football Playoff

Indiana begins the season ranked No. 6 and should have several opportunities to earn quality victories.

A 10-2 record with victories over some combination of Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington would give the Hoosiers a compelling at-large résumé. An 11-1 finish would place Indiana in excellent position to host or receive favorable placement in the playoff.

The Hoosiers must replace their Heisman-winning quarterback, but Cignetti has already demonstrated an ability to build a disciplined and adaptable program.

Indiana has the roster, schedule and home-field advantages needed to remain in playoff contention throughout the season.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Indiana to Make the College Football Playoff

• Preseason Top-Six Ranking
• Multiple Résumé Opportunities
• Eight Home Games

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Prop Bet #3: Indiana to Start the Season 6-0

Indiana opens with North Texas, Howard, Western Kentucky and Northwestern at home before traveling to Rutgers and Nebraska.

The first five games provide a favorable path. The greatest obstacle is the October 10 trip to Lincoln, where Nebraska’s home-field advantage could challenge the Hoosiers.

Indiana should have the superior overall roster in all six games. Beginning the season 6-0 would also create a potentially undefeated showdown with Ohio State in Bloomington.

The Hoosiers’ championship experience and four-game opening homestand make a perfect start attainable.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Indiana to Start 6-0

• Four Straight Home Games
• Favorable Opening Opponents
• Ohio State Comes Seventh

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Prop Bet #4: Indiana to Reach the Big Ten Championship Game

The Big Ten will send its top two teams to the conference championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5.

Indiana’s conference schedule is difficult, but the Hoosiers host Ohio State and USC. Winning those games would provide important head-to-head advantages in potential tiebreaker situations.

The trips to Michigan and Washington are dangerous, while Nebraska could become another significant conference test. However, a 7-2 or 8-1 Big Ten record should keep Indiana near the top of the standings.

The Hoosiers may not repeat their perfect regular season, but they have a realistic opportunity to return to Indianapolis and defend their conference championship.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Indiana to Reach the Big Ten Championship Game

• Ohio State and USC at Home
• Proven Championship Program
• Realistic Seven-Win Conference Path

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Conclusion

Indiana’s 2026 schedule presents the Hoosiers with a legitimate opportunity to defend their national championship and return to the College Football Playoff.

The opening stretch is favorable. Indiana plays its first four games at Memorial Stadium and does not face a preseason-ranked opponent until Ohio State arrives on October 17. That gives Hoover and the rebuilt offense time to develop before the season’s defining challenges.

The championship race will be determined during the second half of the schedule. Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Washington will test Indiana’s talent, depth and ability to win without Mendoza. The late bye also places additional importance on remaining healthy through nine consecutive games.

Eight home games and no nonconference road contests give the Hoosiers important advantages. Indiana is unlikely to repeat a perfect 16-0 season, but a 10-2 regular season, another playoff appearance and a return to the Big Ten Championship Game are realistic goals.

Cignetti has transformed Indiana from an overlooked program into the standard every opponent will be attempting to defeat. The challenge in 2026 will not be convincing the country that Indiana belongs. It will be proving that the championship season was the beginning of sustained excellence rather than a once-in-a-generation run.