Indiana University’s football team has vaulted to No. 6 in the 2026 preseason AP Poll, marking the program’s highest preseason placement ever and signaling a new era of national relevance.
The Hoosiers entered the poll after completing a flawless 16‑0 season and securing their first-ever national championship, a triumph that has generated considerable buzz across the college football landscape.
A Milestone for the Program
The achievement underscores a rapid ascent that began with a dominant championship run and now places Indiana alongside a cluster of Big Ten powerhouses within the top tier of the nation’s rankings.
The poll also reflects the broader strength of the conference, with seven Big Ten schools appearing in the top 25, including Ohio State at No. 1 and Oregon at No. 2, while Indiana’s eight first‑place votes rank as the third‑largest vote total behind only those two giants.
Looking ahead, the Hoosiers will test their mettle against a slate of top‑25 opponents, including a much‑anticipated showdown with Ohio State, a clash with USC, a battle against Michigan, and a matchup with Washington later in the season. Their opening test arrives on September 5, when they host North Texas at Memorial Stadium at noon.