After taking over the college football world last season, Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers are looking to keep things rolling in 2026. The Hoosiers have a talented group once again, and with Cignetti leading the way, Indiana figures to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff and a shot at the National Championship.
3 ways Curt Cignetti can make history by landing 5-star WR Monshun Sales
Generally speaking, the 2026-27 schedule sets up nicely for Indiana. The non-conference slate features matchups against North Texas, Howard, and Western Kentucky, which should all result in convincing Hoosier victories.
Indiana's Big Ten schedule includes intriguing matchups throughout the fall, and there are five games that Hoosier fans should already be eyeing.
vs. Ohio State
The October 17 matchup between the Hoosiers and Buckeyes has serious Game of the Year potential. Both teams could very well be ranked in the Top-5 of the AP Poll when this highly-anticipated contest. Memorial Stadium is sure to be rocking in what is sure to deliver plenty of fireworks.
Ohio State defeated IU by a score of 35-17 in 2024, but Cignetti and company were able to get their revenge with a 13-10 win in last December's Big Ten Championship Game. Now it's the Buckeyes looking for revenge in the third IU/OSU matchup of the Cignetti era.
at Michigan
The matchup against Ohio State is undoubtedly Indiana's toughest game of the season, but heading to Ann Arbor one week after hosting the Buckeyes is sure to present some challenges. Kyle Whittingham turned Utah into a consistent winner over his two decades in Salt Lake City, and he is putting together a strong offseason. Bryce Underwood now has a full year of experience under his belt, and incoming freshman RB Savion Hiter figures to make an immediate impact in the Wolverine rushing attack.
vs. USC
Lincoln Riley has yet to lead USC to the College Football Playoff over the course of his four seasons in Los Angeles. The pressure is mounting for Riley to deliver a big season, and the November 14 matchup against Indiana figures to be a measuring stick for the Trojans. USC is bringing in the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and it seems that it may be now or never for Riley.
at Washington
Indiana only has four road games on its 2026-27 schedule, which figures to be quite beneficial for Cignetti and company. The longest trip of the season comes the week before Thanksgiving with a November 21 meeting against Washington in Seattle. Husky Stadium is a tricky place to play, and Washington is a program on the rise. Jedd Fisch is entering his third year at the helm, and he led the Huskies from a six-win season in 2024 to a nine-win season a year ago. QB Demond Williams is back, and with his dynamic skill set leading the way, the Hoosiers
vs. Purdue
The rivalry matchup between Indiana and Purdue is always a game circled on the calendars of Hoosier fans. The in-state rivals have battled for the Old Oaken Bucket since 1925, and Cignetti has led IU to back-to-back wins by a combined score of 122-3 over the last two seasons. Those overwhelming performances have brought great joy to the Hoosier faithful, and with Purdue struggling to get out of the cellar of the Big Ten, Indiana fans are hoping for another convincing victory on November 28.
Add us as a preferred source on Google