Indiana University’s football program has surged to the top of preseason rankings, with The Sporting News projecting the Hoosiers as the favorites to win the 2026 College Football Playoff and claim the national championship.
Coach Curt Cignetti, who guided the team to its first championship last season, is credited with mastering the transfer portal and assembling a roster that blends veteran talent with high‑upside newcomers.
At the helm of the offense, quarterback Josh Hoover is expected to drive the attack, though analysts note he will need to curb turnover rates to maintain momentum.
The schedule presents a gauntlet of marquee matchups, including road tests against Ohio State, USC, Michigan and Washington, while non‑conference games against North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky provide early opportunities to build rhythm.
A Season Poised for History
The Sporting News also forecasts a first‑round bye in the 2026‑27 playoff bracket and predicts a championship game showdown against Notre Dame.
Beyond the starters, the roster boasts playmakers such as Jamari Sharpe, Ryland Gandy, A.J. Harris, Grant Wilson, Tyler Cherry and Byron Baldwin Jr., while veteran presence from Kurtis Rourke adds depth at key positions.
Analyst Bill Bender highlights the program’s strategic use of the transfer market, noting that acquisitions like Fernando Mendoza and others have filled critical gaps.
If the projections hold, Indiana could open the season with a top‑five preseason AP ranking and enter the playoff conversation as one of the most balanced teams in the nation.