Preseason Rankings Shockwave
The latest preseason rankings released by The Sporting News have sent a ripple through college football circles, naming Indiana University as the top team in the Big Ten for the 2026 season, a placement that upends expectations that Ohio State or Oregon would lead the conference.
Cignetti’s Transfer Portal Mastery
Head coach Curt Cignetti has built his reputation on sifting through the transfer portal and identifying underrated talent, a skill set that The Sporting News credits for reshaping the Big Ten landscape and giving Indiana a competitive edge.
A CFP Path Takes Shape
The projection predicts a third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance for the Hoosiers, positioning them to meet Notre Dame in the championship game, a matchup that The Sporting News forecasts as a Hoosiers victory.
Defensive Firepower
Carter Smith, a second‑team All‑America last season, anchors the offensive line after allowing only two sacks in the CFP championship game, while Rolijah Hardy, a Navy transfer, emerges as a disruptive linebacker with 102 tackles, eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss, and Charlie Becker earns a preseason All‑American second‑team nod. Returning defenders Isaiah Jones and Tyrique Tucker add depth to a unit poised to dominate.