The Indiana Hoosiers enter the 2026 college football season with a preseason ranking of No. 6 in the latest CBS Sports power rankings, a testament to their recent national championship pedigree.
However, the schedule that awaits them is anything but forgiving, featuring four opponents already positioned in the top‑20 and seven more within the top‑50.
A daunting slate
Among the marquee matchups are a showdown with No. 1 Ohio State, a clash against No. 14 USC, and a battle with No. 19 Washington that could shape Big Ten title implications. Also on the slate are games versus No. 35 Nebraska, No. 48 Northwestern, No. 64 Rutgers, No. 79 North Texas, No. 87 Western Kentucky, and No. 99 Purdue.
The Hoosiers will also face Howard, an FCS program, and will contend with teams coached by new head coaches such as Neal Brown at North Texas and Chip Kelly, now the offensive coordinator at Northwestern. At Michigan, a fresh coaching regime led by Kyle Whittingham adds another layer of intrigue.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola’s departure to the transfer portal leaves Indiana with a reshaped backfield, while the Hoosiers’ own ranking at No. 99 opponent Purdue underscores the depth of competition they must navigate.