Don't look now, but the college football season will be here before you know it. The Indiana Hoosiers have taken the college football world by storm under Curt Cignetti, and are coming off a historic 16-0 season that culminated in a National Championship.
Heading into the new season, Indiana has plenty of staying power with Cignetti leading the way. The Hoosiers are among the favorites to win it all this season, and they have a great chance to be ranked as a Top-5 team in the Preseason AP Top-25 Poll.
The Hoosier hype is very real, and IU fans are eager to see what Cignetti can do in Year 3 of his tenure in Bloomington. With that in mind, here are 5 bold predictions for Indiana's 2026-27 season as the program looks to defend its national title.
1. Indiana beats Ohio State
There's no denying that Indiana's toughest game of the regular season comes against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 17. This matchup has serious Game of the Year potential, as both teams could be ranked in the Top-5 of the AP Poll at kick-off.
Ohio State handed Curt Cignetti's his only Big Ten loss at Indiana back in 2024, but IU got revenge in last December's Big Ten Championship Game. Indiana has the home field advantage in this matchup, and Cignetti has proven he can get the best out of his team in the biggest games. A victory over Ohio State would send Bloomington into a frenzy once again.
2. Indiana goes 11-1 in the regular season
Generally speaking, Indiana's 2026-27 schedule sets up nicely. The non-conference slate should be a breeze, and IU's Big Ten schedule is manageable for the most part. However, matchups against Ohio State, at Michigan, USC, and at Washington could all create some roadblocks.
Going undefeated in back-to-back seasons is nearly impossible to do, and while Hoosier fans have plenty of faith in Cignetti, expecting to go 12-0 is a tough ask. Even with one loss, the Hoosiers will still be in the hunt for a Big Ten title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
3. Josh Hoover is a Heisman Trophy finalist
Fernando Mendoza's rise throughout last season is well-documented. Could we see a similar rise from new Hoosier QB Josh Hoover? The former TCU gunslinger has plenty of experience, as he has 36 collegiate games under his belt and has racked up 9,629 yards and 79 total touchdowns in his career. Those numbers give him the most production out of any returning QB in the country heading into 2026.
Hoover is extremely comfortable with Indiana's ROP-heavy style of play, and both Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan have been pleased with his offseason progress in Bloomington. Don't be surprised if Hoover makes a run at the Heisman Trophy this season.
4. Jamari Sharpe emerges as one of the best CBs in college football
Jamari Sharpe played a key role in Indiana's National Championship run. He started in all 16 games and delivered an iconic moment in the title game against Miami (FL). His interception of Carson Beck in the closing minutes sealed the deal for a historic Hoosier victory. Now, Sharpe is poised for a monster 2026 season.
Sharpe owns a rare playmaking skill set for a cornerback, as he forced 4 fumbles last season. He also collected 7 pass breakups and 47 total tackles. With D'Angelo Ponds off to the NFL, Sharpe has a chance to be a key leader for the Hoosier defense this season.
5. Multiple Hoosiers will be first round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft
Indiana set a program record by having eight players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. In addition, Fernando Mendoza and Omar Cooper Jr. were both selected in the first round, which gave IU its first pair of first round picks in the same draft ever.
Looking ahead, the Hoosiers have a solid chance to be well-represented in the 2027 NFL Draft. WR Charlie Becker, WR Nick Marsh, and OT Carter Smith are all garnering first round hype already, and if they put forth strong campaigns, there's a very real possibility that Indiana boasts multiple first round draft picks in back-to-back years.
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