Football

Indiana Opens as Slight Favorite Against Ohio State in 2026 Showdown

Preseason rankings and betting odds highlight the Hoosiers’ unexpected surge heading into the Week 7 matchup

The 2026 college football season will feature a marquee clash in Week 7 as the Indiana Hoosiers host the Ohio State Buckeyes in Bloomington. The game pits a program that surprised many with a rapid rise against a perennial powerhouse that consistently contends for national titles.

Betting Landscape

Early lines from FanDuel Sportsbook list the Hoosiers as 1.5‑point favorites, a surprising shift that reflects market confidence in Indiana’s revamped roster and coaching staff.

The over/under for the contest is set at 48.5 points, suggesting oddsmakers expect a high‑scoring affair. Beyond the spread, Indiana also holds the second‑best odds to win the Big Ten Championship at +250, while its national title futures are tied with Texas at +750, positioning the team as a dark‑horse contender.

Quarterback Josh Hoover’s Heisman Trophy prop sits at +1200, underscoring the senior’s breakout potential after a season that included over 4,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns.

Preseason power rankings from CBS Sports and ESPN both slot Indiana at No. 6 overall, marking the third‑highest Big Ten placement in the early polls and highlighting the optimism surrounding the program under head coach Curt Cignetti.

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