As Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers approach the final month of the season, a return run to the College Football Playoff seems more likely week-by-week.
The No. 2 team in the country behind last year's champions, Ohio State, are on a crash course to face each other in December's Big Ten title game. However, win or lose, it appears both teams will be included in this year's Playoff.
The Hoosiers are heavily-favored in their final four games of the 2025 regular season, according to ESPN analytics. Also, their Playoff chances are in the first-tier as well. This is great news for Cignetti's crew, but they're not letting their foot off the gas in the final month.
ESPN's Bill Connelly broke down Indiana's chances of making the Playoff at 8-0, with 96.4% average odds. "The three remaining unbeaten SEC/Big Ten teams have average odds of making the CFP well over 90%, then a second tier of six teams is between 54% and 71%, a third tier of four teams is between 36% and 50%, a giant fourth tier of hopefuls is between 5% and 25%, and, of course, a fifth tier of Group of 5 teams is primarily fighting over a single bid."
At this point, Connelly believes Week 10 action for the top teams will feel like a preseason affair. "Any of these teams might have to lose three times to fall out of CFP contention. Texas A&M still has to travel to Missouri and Texas and host an athletic South Carolina squad, but it's safe to say these teams are in great shape. The Aggies are off this week, and the Hoosiers and Buckeyes are favored by 20-plus points."
No. 2 Indiana hits the road to Maryland on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS).
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