The Indiana Hoosiers are set to embark on their title-defending season in less than two months. With a great mix of talent coming in through the transfer portal as well as a solid group of returning players, Curt Cignetti's squad has high hopes of competing for another title in 2026-27.
Like in the past several seasons, Indiana's non-conference slate features a trio of games that are extremely winnable. After taking on the North Texas Mean Green in the season opener on September 5, the Hoosiers will welcome the Howard Bison to Memorial Stadium in Week 2. What can IU football fans expect to see in this matchup?
Howard begins new era under head coach Ted White
Interestingly enough, Indiana's first two opponents of the 2026 season are entering new eras under first year head coaches. Neal Brown has taken over at North Texas after Eric Morris left for Oklahoma State, and Ted White is the new man in charge at Howard following the departure of Larry Scott. After posting an overall record of 23-37 at Howard, Scott is now the tight ends coach at Auburn.
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White takes over for the Bison after serving as an official analyst at Maryland last season. White is a Howard alum, as he played quarterback for the Bison from 1995-1998. He was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1996. He also previously coached at Howard from 2011-15 when he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
The Bison went 5-7 last season and have not finished above the .500-mark since 2017. This September 12 matchup in Bloomington will be Indiana's second game of the season, but will be Howard's third. The Bison have a Week 0 contest against Alabama A&M on August 29 and then face Richmond in Week 1 on September 5.
Indiana should dominate in Week 2 against Howard
Cignetti and company should have very little trouble getting to 2-0 on the season. The Hoosiers are already listed as massive 40.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook in Week 1 against UNT, and while lines have not yet been released for the matchup against Howard, the number should be even bigger than that.
In both of Indiana's first two games of the new season, it will be interesting to see how Cignetti rotates through the roster. The Hoosiers should seemingly hold large leads throughout both contests, which presents an intriguing situation for Cignetti to utilize more of his roster.
Don't be surprised if the second and third-teamers see plenty of action in the first few weeks of the season. Not only will that help Cignetti and his staff evaluate their depth chart, but it will help keep the first-teamers healthy -- which has been a big point of emphasis for Cignetti during his time in Bloomington.
Indiana vs Howard score prediction
Howard: 3
Indiana: 51
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