Indiana's 2026 football season is shaping up to be an intriguing one, with the defending national champion Hoosiers ranked highly in preseason power rankings. CBS Sports' Top 138 Power Rankings place Indiana at No. 6 overall, just below powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Texas, and Notre Dame. This ranking reflects the team's potential to contend for a College Football Playoff spot once again.
The Hoosiers' schedule is a mix of familiar foes and intriguing matchups. Here's a breakdown of each opponent and their current CBS Sports rankings, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
Week 1: North Texas (CBS Rank: No. 79)
North Texas faces significant challenges this offseason, having lost key players and their coach. However, the hiring of Neal Brown could keep them competitive. A season-opening game in Bloomington might be closer than expected, especially with the potential return of transfer quarterback Tayven Jackson. This game could be a surprise for the Hoosiers.
Week 2: Howard (CBS Rank: N/A)
Howard, an FCS team, is expected to be a tune-up game for Indiana. With a lack of recent success, Howard is unlikely to pose a significant threat. IU should dominate and improve to 2-0.
Week 3: Western Kentucky (CBS Rank: No. 87)
Western Kentucky has been a consistent Group of 6 team. They might challenge the Hoosiers, similar to Old Dominion's scare last season. This game could be a closer contest than expected.
Week 4: Northwestern (CBS Rank: No. 48)
Northwestern's hiring of Chip Kelly and transfer quarterback Aiden Chiles signals a potential step forward. The Wildcats have shown stability under David Braun, and a Friday Night game in Bloomington will likely see Indiana as favorites. This game could be a statement win for the Hoosiers.
Week 5: Rutgers (CBS Rank: No. 64)
Rutgers has struggled for bowl eligibility under Greg Schiano. Indiana should have little trouble securing a decisive victory on the road, as the Scarlet Knights are in the bottom half of the Big Ten.
Week 6: Nebraska (CBS Rank: No. 35)
Nebraska's fourth-year coach, Matt Rhule, faces challenges with the transfer portal loss of Dylan Raiola. Indiana dominated Nebraska in 2024, but a return trip to Lincoln could even the playing field. The 2026 outlook for Nebraska is uncertain.
Week 7: Ohio State (CBS Rank: No. 1)
Unsurprisingly, Ohio State leads the rankings. With key players returning, they are poised for another Big Ten and National Championship run. The game in Bloomington will be a highly anticipated showdown.
Week 8: Michigan (CBS Rank: No. 16)
Indiana's struggle against Michigan in Ann Arbor dates back to 1967. With a new coaching regime led by Kyle Whittingham, Michigan could be rejuvenated. The Hoosiers will face a formidable challenge against the 16th-ranked team.
Week 9: Minnesota (CBS Rank: No. 40)
P.J. Fleck has built Minnesota into a consistent program. A Halloween showdown in Bloomington will likely see Indiana as favorites, but Minnesota's feistiness under Fleck could make it a tough game.
Week 10: USC (CBS Rank: No. 14)
USC, led by Lincoln Riley, aims for a College Football Playoff berth. With a strong roster, including quarterback Jayden Maiava, they are a potential playoff contender. This game could be a crucial play-in match.
Week 11: Washington (CBS Rank: No. 19)
A West Coast road trip to Washington in Week 11 could have significant implications for both teams' postseason goals. With both programs contending for the College Football Playoff, this game might even impact the Big Ten Championship.
Week 12: Purdue (CBS Rank: No. 99)
Purdue is the lowest-ranked opponent on Indiana's schedule. The Hoosiers have dominated Purdue recently, and the disparity between the programs suggests another lopsided victory for IU.
In summary, Indiana's 2026 schedule presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. The Hoosiers will need to navigate a variety of opponents to maintain their high ranking and playoff aspirations. Each game offers a chance to showcase the team's growth and potential, and I'm excited to see how they perform in these crucial matchups.
