Athlon Sports' 2026 preseason preview magazine has placed Indiana University's football program at No. 5 in its national rankings, projecting the Hoosiers to finish second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State.
A Deep Dive into the Hoosiers' Strengths
The publication’s unit rankings highlight Indiana’s dominance on both sides of the ball, listing the Hoosiers as the top offensive line and linebacker corps in the conference and a top‑three defensive line and defensive backfield.
Quarterback Carter Smith earned first‑team preseason All‑America honors, while lineman Charlie Becker secured a second‑team spot, underscoring the program’s depth at key positions.
Defensive standouts such as Rolijah Hardy, Isaiah Jones and Amare Ferrell were also recognized on the All‑Big Ten first team, reflecting a balanced and aggressive defensive scheme.
On the national stage, quarterback Josh Hoover appears in tier one of the Heisman Trophy watch list, and he is listed as the top incoming transfer in the Big Ten, with Nick Marsh and Tobi Osunsanmi slated at third and eighth respectively.
The magazine’s schedule ranking designates Indiana’s October 17 home clash with Ohio State as the second‑best game nationally for the 2026 season, promising a marquee matchup that could shape the conference race.
Overall, Athlon’s conference power rankings place the Big Ten first, followed by the SEC, Big 12, ACC and Pac‑12, positioning the Hoosiers within a competitive national landscape.