Indiana Hoosiers football may be entering a new golden era thanks to Curt Cignetti.
After going 11-2 in 2024, making the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff but falling in the first round, Indiana has leveled up in 2025. The Hoosiers had an undefeated regular season and cemented themselves as a top-tier squad in the Big Ten -- and in college football as a whole.
Now, Indiana is set to embark on another playoff run, seeking to go further than 2024's first-round exit. Who will the Hoosiers play first in the playoff bracket?
Here’s a complete guide to Indiana's first College Football Playoff matchup and the full bracket.
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College Football Playoff bracket
This section will be updated when the bracket is revealed.
Who will Indiana play next?
Indiana's opponent for the College Football Playoff will be determined by Sunday's bracket reveal. If the Hoosiers are the Big Ten champions, they'll automatically advance to the quarterfinals. If not, they'll play in the first round with an at-large bid.
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When does Indiana play again?
The start of the Hoosiers' College Football Playoff journey depends on whether or not they win the Big Ten.
If Indiana beats Ohio State on conference title weekend, it will earn a first-round bye, meaning it won't play again until Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. If Curt Cignetti's team falls to the Buckeyes, they will receive an at-large bid and play in the first round on Dec. 19 or Dec. 20.
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College Football Playoff schedule 2025
| Date | Round | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channe l |
| Dec. 19 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | Noon | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 3:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| Dec. 31 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 4 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 8 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 9 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 19 | National Championship | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |