After cruising to a 3-0 record in the non-conference slate, the Indiana Hoosiers are set to open Big Ten play with a matchup against Northwestern on Friday night. Kick-off between the Hoosiers and Wildcats is set for 8 p.m. ET in what will be the conference opener for both teams. It is one of just five FBS games taking place on Friday night, meaning plenty of eyeballs will be on the defending National Champions.
With the Hoosiers taking the field Friday evening, Saturday gives Indiana football fans a chance to sit back and enjoy games from around the country throughout the day. Here are two Big Ten matchups that could have major implications on the Cream and Crimson later on down the road this season.
No. 17 Iowa at No. 18 Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines have been among the most polarizing teams in the early going of the 2026 college football season. They were thoroughly out-played vs Western Michigan (and frankly should have lost), and then turned around to beat then-No. 10 Oklahoma one week later. It's been an absolute roller coaster ride for Kyle Whittingham's first three games in Ann Arbor, and now he is set to go head-to-head against Kirk Ferentz and the 3-0 Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday afternoon.
Iowa has been a steady force during Ferentz's tenure, and the Hawkeyes are never an easy out in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers don't face Iowa this season, but they do play Michigan. That meeting comes on October 24 in Ann Arbor, which is one week after Indiana hosts Ohio State.
Reports cards are in: Grading Indiana's non-conference performance
It's already nearly impossible to know what to expect from Michigan on offense this season. Bryce Underwood hasn't appeared to take a step forward that the fan base was hoping for, and his limitations have hindered the Wolverines' offensive ceiling. However, the Michigan defense is for real. This figures to be a physical, low-scoring defensive battle, and the winner will make a strong statement on the national stage. Kick-off between the Hawkeyes and Wolverines is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
No. 20 Oregon at No. 12 USC
The matchup between the Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans is must-watch television for all college football fans, but especially Indiana fans. Oregon entered the season on the short list of teams that could take away Indiana's Big Ten crown, but through three games, the Ducks look far less intimidating than originally anticipated. Oregon barely squeaked by Boise State in Week 1, and then lost to Oklahoma State as a 23.5-point favorite in Week 2. If they lose this one, things could get ugly for Dan Lanning in Eugene.
On the other side, this season could be viewed as a make-or-break season for Lincoln Riley at USC. Now into his fifth season in Los Angeles, Riley has yet to lead the Trojans to the College Football Playoff. Patience may be wearing thin among the USC administration and fan base, and Riley won't do himself any favors if he loses this game on his home turf.
Indiana is set to host USC later this season on November 14. It would end up being a massive game with plenty of CFP implications. With that in mind, Hoosier fans will want to tune in to USC's fight with Oregon on Saturday night. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
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