When looking at Indiana's schedule for the upcoming season, it's clear what the marquee matchup is. The Hoosiers will welcome the Ohio State Buckeyes to town on October 17 in what has all the makings of an instant classic. In addition to being a top game in the Big Ten this season, this contest has the potential to be the Game of the Year in all of college football.
The Hoosiers and Buckeyes are the last two national champions, and have developed quite the rivalry over the last two seasons. Ohio State's win over IU back in 2024 is still Curt Cignetti's only Big Ten loss at Indiana, and last December's Big Ten Championship Game defeat of OSU was one for the ages for the Hoosier football program.
October's meeting between Indiana and Ohio State will be the first time that the Hoosiers host the Buckeyes in Bloomington during the Cignetti era. With kickoff for that highly anticipated contest still nearly three months away, Ryan Day already understands the challenge awaiting Ohio State in Bloomington.
Ryan Day admits Indiana has become a different challenge
Despite going 27-2 under Cignetti and orchestrating a perfect 16-0 season that culminated in a National Championship last year, many around the college football world are still not sold on the Hoosiers having staying power in 2026. The Big Ten media members ranked Indiana 3rd in its Big Ten preseason poll, and many are doubting Cignetti's ability to keep the train rolling.
But Day knows what his team is walking into on October 17 at Memorial Stadium. The atmosphere will be raucous, and the Hoosiers figure to give the Buckeyes all they can handle and more. Speaking at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Day commented on what he expects from his team's trip to Bloomington this fall.
"I think it's gonna be a great environment," Day said. "We haven't played since coach Cignetti has been at Indiana at Indiana, but I know that the atmosphere there has changed, and it's really ramped up there."
Day also credited the job Cignetti and his staff did last season, especially in the Big Ten Championship Game.
"You got to give them a lot of credit," said the Buckeye head coach. "It starts with the quarterback and how he played last season. And I don't think enough people give enough credit to that defense and how well they played."
See Day's full comments below:
“The atmosphere has changed, it’s really ramped up there. So that’s another game on the road that we’ll really have to prepare for.”
— Colin McMahon (@ColinMcMahon31) July 29, 2026
Ryan Day was asked about the October 17th showdown between #iufb and Ohio State, and about the Hoosier program as a whole.
Full quote 👇 pic.twitter.com/ikegnniRP2
Ryan Day knows better than to overlook Indiana now
Day's comments about Indiana make one thing crystal clear: Indiana is not being overlooked in Columbus. That may be happening in other areas of the country, but it's clear that Ohio State has the October 17 matchup against Indiana circled on their calendars.
Hoosier fans can expect Ohio State to bring its best to Bloomington on October 17. Having lost the Big Ten title game to IU last season, the Buckeyes have revenge on their minds. They will be hungry to make a statement about still being the premier Big Ten program, but Cignetti will undoubtedly have his team ready to rock as well.
That sets up for an epic showdown between two heavyweight Big Ten programs. You'll want to get your popcorn ready for this one.
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