Indiana University’s football program kicked off the 2026 campaign with a milestone that has not been seen in decades. The Hoosiers opened the season as the defending national champions, entering the year ranked No. 6 in the AP poll – the highest preseason position ever achieved by the school. The demand was such that every home ticket for the upcoming schedule was sold out, a feat not witnessed since the late 1960s.
Adding to the sense of renewal, new head coach Neal Brown stepped onto the sideline for the first time in his new role. Brown, who previously guided Troy University and spent a stint as a special assistant at the University of Texas at Austin, inherits a roster that is completely overhauled. Not a single starter from the 2025 squad returns, and 52 players have been added through the transfer portal, reshaping the team’s depth and identity.
A Fresh Coaching Landscape
The defensive side of the ball will be overseen by coordinator Matt Powledge, whose recent experience includes running Baylor’s defense. Hired in December 2025, Powledge brings a fresh scheme that Brown hopes will translate into more consistent pressure and turnover creation.
Head coach Curt Cignetti, now in his second year at Indiana, admits that he has never faced a roster this unfamiliar. He has been poring over film from multiple programs – Baylor, West Virginia and Texas – to piece together a picture of what North Texas might bring.
At quarterback, the familiar face of Tayven Jackson returns for the opposing team. Jackson, who starred for Indiana in 2024 before transferring, made a single start against Washington the previous season, throwing for 124 yards and a touchdown. His presence adds a layer of continuity for the Hoosiers, even as the rest of the lineup is brand new.
The matchup also highlights a unique preparation challenge. North Texas enters the game without any prior film of Indiana’s new‑look offense, meaning the Hoosiers must rely on their own fundamentals and the controllables they can influence. Brown and his staff have emphasized discipline and execution, hoping that the sold‑out crowd will amplify the team’s confidence.