
Five Programs Poised for a 2026 Rebound — or a Slip
The 2026 season may see former breakout teams stumble as they navigate new quarterbacks, departing stars, and demanding schedules.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Josh Hoover across Football.

The 2026 season may see former breakout teams stumble as they navigate new quarterbacks, departing stars, and demanding schedules.

Indiana University is counting on transfer quarterback Josh Hoover to replace departing Heisman champion Fernando Mendoza, but analysts warn that replicating Mendoza’s clutch performances will be a major test.

Recent transfers reveal a pattern where athletes follow trusted coaches to new schools, boosting team performance and championship hopes.

After a breakout 2025 campaign, Washington’s quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is viewed as a cornerstone for a team eyeing a College Football Playoff run. His blend of arm talent, mobility and mental resilience places him at the center of a schedule defined by marquee matchups.

A wave of top college football prospects are swapping schools to follow mentors, bringing proven talent and new energy to programs like Indiana, Texas and Miami.
Indiana University coach Curt Cignetti breaks down key performances by Fernando Mendoza, the emergence of Charlie Becker, and the defensive plays that defined the Hoosiers’ national championship run.

From Arch Manning's revamped receiving corps to defensive standouts eyeing Heisman glory, the 2026 season promises drama across the nation.

Indiana University’s football camp opened with a clean practice, highlighting player development, the return of injured standout Stephen Daley, and the integration of key transfers ahead of the Sept. 5 opener.

A look at the ten programs that could finish the 2026 regular season without a loss, from Texas Tech’s forgiving slate to Texas’s daunting challenges.
Indiana University’s football program is entering fall camp ranked No. 6, aiming for a deep playoff run while integrating a strong transfer class and focusing on chemistry.

Hardy and Becker discuss embracing new leadership roles, the impact of coaching, and the importance of hard work as the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season.
Ranked No. 6, Indiana University is entering fall camp with a deep roster, a focus on team identity and a defensive overhaul that could fuel another playoff run.

Indiana University's football program, once a perennial underdog, captured its first national championship in 2025 and now faces the task of replacing Heisman standout Fernando Mendoza with Josh Hoover while aiming to maintain its newfound dominance in the Big Ten.

A look at the athletes and leaders whose performances and decisions will determine the trajectory of the 2026 college football season and its playoff picture.

The Sporting News places Indiana University at the summit of its 2026 Big Ten preseason poll, projecting a CFP championship showdown with Notre Dame and highlighting coach Curt Cignetti’s portal expertise.

The Football Writers Association of America has announced the 2026 watchlists for its top defensive and offensive awards, highlighting Indiana University’s four defensive players and a returning offensive tackle, with historic milestones and upcoming ceremony details.

Ohio State tops the AFCA preseason poll with 38 first‑place votes, while the Big Ten and SEC fill most of the top 25, and several high‑profile coaching changes loom over the upcoming season.

Ohio State opens the 2026 college football season as the No.1 team in the AFCA coaches poll, receiving 38 of 72 first‑place votes. The poll also showcases a strong Big Ten presence and early shifts after surprising losses by top programs.

The latest AFCA preseason poll highlights Ohio State’s return to No. 1, a deep Big Ten presence, and notable movements among traditional powerhouses, including Penn State’s drop and Clemson’s lowest ranking since 2011.

Indiana University’s football program enters the 2026 season as the reigning national champion, having finished the previous year unbeaten at 16‑0 and atop the Big Ten standings. The Hoosiers’ dominance was reflected in the national rankings, with their offense securing third place in scoring and total offense, while the defense ranked second in points allowed and fourth in overall yardage.
Ohio State opens as the No. 1 team in the US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time since 2015, while Oregon, Georgia, and Texas round out the top four. The poll also spotlights emerging quarterbacks, transfer impacts, and defensive standouts across the country.

Indiana University’s football program highlights its preseason accolades, with quarterback Josh Hoover and long snapper Drew Clausen named to key award watch lists, alongside a historic Maxwell Award lineage and additional honorees.

From red‑shirt freshmen to transfer breakouts, the 2026 Heisman conversation is already brimming with potential game‑changers.
Defending national champions Indiana University confronts critical questions as they enter fall camp, focusing on quarterback Josh Hoover's evolution, a potential three‑back offense, the emergence of wide receiver Charlie Becker, tight end depth, the recovery of left tackle Carter Smith, center Bray Lynch's transition, and the search for new return specialists.