Indiana University’s football program is poised to break two of its most stubborn droughts this season, with the Hoosiers opening the year as heavy favorites against both Michigan and USC.
The last time Indiana managed a victory in Ann Arbor dates back to 1967, and the team has never beaten USC at all, making the upcoming contests especially meaningful for a program that has been rebuilding under head coach Curt Cignetti.
Both opponents arrive with notable preseason rankings: USC sits at No. 13 in ESPN’s Football Power Index while Michigan is positioned at No. 15, underscoring the challenge and the prestige of the matchups.
Betting markets have responded enthusiastically, listing Indiana as a 6.5‑point favorite over Michigan on October 24 and a 10.5‑point favorite over USC on November 14, while the season opener against North Texas sees the Hoosiers installed as a 40.5‑point favorite.
If the Hoosiers can string together wins across the Big Ten, they would finally hold active winning streaks against every one of the conference’s 18 members — a milestone that would reshape the narrative around the program.
Coach Curt Cignetti, who took the helm last offseason, has already begun to imprint his system on the squad, and early betting interest reflects confidence in his ability to deliver on the field.
Betting Landscape
The odds not only highlight Indiana’s perceived strength but also signal a shift in the betting community’s perception of the program’s trajectory, as analysts dissect the implications of a potential conference‑wide streak.
While the schedule remains demanding, the combination of favorable odds, historical context, and a coach eager to prove himself creates a compelling storyline that will unfold over the coming months.