With Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza leading the way last season, the Indiana offense got plenty of attention all season long. Deservedly so, as Mendoza and the Hoosiers lit up the scoreboard all season long and came up with clutch plays in the biggest moments during Indiana's National Championship run.
But the defense was elite all throughout the 2025-26 campaign. In total, the Hoosiers ranked 2nd nationally in points allowed per game (11.7), 4th in yards per game allowed (266), and 3rd in total turnovers forced (30). Nothing came easy for opposing offenses, and that trend has continued into the first five games of the 2026 season.
With the IU defense continuing to shut down the opposition, a historic streak will be on the line this Saturday when the Hoosiers take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Indiana defense on the verge of historic streak in Week 6 vs Nebraska
After going a perfect 16-0 last season and earning a 5-0 record to start the new campaign, the Hoosiers enter this weekend's battle against Nebraska riding a 21-game winning streak. The Hoosier defense has shined in all of those games, holding opposing offenses to 24 points or fewer in all 21 of those games.
Per Novig, that puts Indiana one game away from tying the college football record since 1993. The record currently belongs to Florida, who held 22 straight opponents to 24 points or fewer from 2008-09. Alabama is third on that list by holding 19 consecutive opponents to 24 points or fewer from 2009-10.
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The impressive streak gives a huge nod to IU defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, who followed Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana in 2024. Haines is arguably the best defensive mind out there, and it's clear that his expertise and elite game-planning has made a major impact in Bloomington. Hoosier football fans are hoping that continues on Saturday afternoon in Lincoln, but it won't be easy.
Nebraska's offense brings a new challenge for Indiana's defense
The Nebraska offense will be the toughest test for Indiana's defense so far this season. Through five games, the Cornhuskers rank 10th nationally by averaging 43.6 points per game and 25th in the country by putting up 475.6 total yards of offense per game.
Veteran QB Anthony Colandrea has been impressive to start his first season in Lincoln. In total, Colandrea has completed 65.7% of his passes for 1,142 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He's also been a threat on the ground, rushing for 249 yards, 6.6 yards per carry, and 2 touchdowns in the running game.
Nebraska's running game features plenty of weapons. Mekhi Nelson is Nebraska's RB1, as he leads the Huskers with 56 attempts which have gone for 266 yards, 4.8 yards per carry and 4 scores. Jamal Rule leads Nebraska with 333 yards, 7.9 yards per rush, and 5 touchdowns on the season. Isaiah Mozee has also been a reliable contributor, collecting 195 yards, 5.0 yards per rush and a touchdown of his own. Add in Colandrea's mobility, and the Hoosier defense has a lot to worry about when it comes to the Husker rushing attack.
When it comes to Nebraska's WR room, Kwazi Gilmer is the top name to watch for. Gilmer leads the Huskers in receptions (29), receiving yards (387), and receiving touchdowns (6). His six scores are tied for 6th nationally.
With a highly-anticipated matchup against Ohio State looming in Week 7, the Hoosiers can't afford to overlook the Nebraska offense in any way. Hoosier fans have plenty of faith in Haines' ability to have an effective game plan ready, but there's no denying the Huskers are still a threat. Kick-off is set for Noon ET on Saturday afternoon.
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