Where Indiana football stands in way-too-early rankings after spring practices
In the College Football Playoff era, Georgia went back to back, in the 2021 and '22 seasons. Indiana has that chance in the coming season.
It's not easy winning consecutive national championships. In the College Football Playoff era, only Georgia has gone back to back, in the 2021 and '22 seasons. Indiana football has that opportunity in the coming season after its 16-0 run led by coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza , who was picked No.
1 overall last week in the NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders . Josh Hoover , who came from TCU, is the presumed starting quarterback for 2026, and the Hoosiers are looking to replace eight players selected in the draft — and more. Here's where the experts place IU a few months from its Sept.
5 opener against North Texas. Indiana football rankings in way-too-early top 25 Mark Schlabach, ESPN : 6th "After stunning the sport and collecting their first national title in 2025, the Hoosiers will have to replace Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, and several key players that coach Curt Cignetti brought with him from James Madison. The Hoosiers once again relied on the transfer portal to rebuild their roster.
(Josh) Hoover started 31 games at TCU and might be elite if he cuts down on his turnovers. (Turbo) Richard was an important addition with (Roman) Hemby and Kaelon Black moving on. Getting star left tackle Carter Smith to return was significant.