Indiana University’s football squad opened the 2026 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll at No. 6, collecting 1522 points and 14 first‑place votes, a clear signal that the Hoosiers are being taken seriously on the national stage.
The achievement marks a dramatic turnaround for a program that finished the previous campaign undefeated at 16‑0 and captured its first-ever national championship, a milestone that has not been seen in the school’s modern era.
A Schedule That Tests the New Ranking
Coach Curt Cignetti’s team will navigate a demanding slate, facing four opponents who also appear in the initial poll, including a showdown with No. 1 Ohio State and a clash against No. 2 Oregon.
Adding to the excitement, Indiana has assembled a top‑10 transfer class while retaining key starters such as Carter Smith and Isaiah Jones, giving the roster both depth and experience.
Three veterans—Charlie Becker, Rolijah Hardy and Tyrique Tucker—earned preseason honors on the Big Ten list, underscoring the conference’s belief in the Hoosiers’ talent pool.
Poll Mechanics and the Road Ahead
The Coaches Poll is derived from a random draw of participating coaches, including Indiana’s own leadership, ensuring that the rankings reflect the views of those who know the game best.
The first AP Top 25 will be released on August 17, and the Hoosiers are slated to open their season on September 5 against the University of North Texas in Bloomington, a game that could set the tone for a championship‑contending year.