A New Chapter for the Hoosiers
Indiana University will host North Texas at Merchants Bank Field on September 5, 2026, kicking off a season that promises both continuity and change. The game is part of a highly anticipated schedule that begins with eight consecutive home contests, a program record that sets the tone for the year.
Third‑year head coach Curt Cignetti, who guided the Hoosiers to a perfect 16‑0 campaign and a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2025, returns with a roster that blends proven talent and fresh faces. His 27‑2 record as Indiana’s head coach, including a 17‑1 mark against Big Ten opponents, underscores the expectations surrounding the team.
The Hoosiers will rely on a core group of standouts, including All‑Americans Carter Smith and Tyrique Tucker, as well as defensive line transfers Josh Burnham, Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi. On the offensive side, Drew Evans and Bray Lynch will anchor the line, while transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, who moved from TCU, is slated to replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza under center.
North Texas arrives with its own narrative. Former West Virginia and Troy head coach Neal Brown, now in his first season with the Mean Green, will test Indiana’s defense. The matchup also marks the return of quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri, who has rejoined the staff after a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Chandler Whitmer departs for a professional role.
The game will be televised as part of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, giving fans a prime‑time glimpse of the Hoosiers’ early‑season ambitions. With a schedule that includes preseason Top 25 opponents such as Ohio State, USC, Michigan and Washington, Indiana’s non‑conference slate promises challenging tests right from the outset.