Indiana 2026 football schedule: Hoosiers begin title defense with favorable path

Zain Bando

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Indiana 2026 football schedule: Hoosiers begin title defense with favorable path image

The wait is finally over. The Big Ten Conference announced all teams' conference schedules for this fall, including dates and locations week by week. Network designations will be announced at a later date. 

Several storylines will emerge ahead of the season, including whether the Indiana Hoosiers can repeat as national champions, the Big Ten's chances of winning four national titles in a row, how the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans will fare under new coaches, and much, much more.

Without further ado, here is Indiana's schedule below.

Indiana Hoosiers 2026 schedule

GameDateLocation
Week 1: vs. North TexasSept. 5, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)
Week 2 vs. HowardSept. 12, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)
Week 3: Western KentuckySept. 19, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)
Week 4: vs. Northwestern WildcatsSept. 26, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)
Week 5: at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsOct. 3, 2026SHI Stadium (Piscataway, N.J.)
Week 6: at Nebraska CornhuskersOct. 10, 2026Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
Week 7: vs. Ohio State BuckeyesOct. 17, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)
Week 8: at Michigan WolverinesOct. 24, 2026Michigan Stadium (AKA, "The Big House," Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Week 9: vs. Minnesota Golden GophersOct. 31, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.
Week 10: BYEN/AN/A
Week 11: vs. USC TrojansNov. 14, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.
Week 12: at Washington HuskiesNov. 21, 2026Husky Stadium (Seattle, Wash.)
Week 13: vs. Purdue BoilermakersNov. 28, 2026Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)

While it is too early to make predictions, a few things stand out when reviewing the schedule. For one, the Ohio State game more than likely is the biggest game of the season for both teams. Not only is it a conference championship rematch, but it's also a game that will likely draw national attention. Both teams could be among the top in the country, with the winner in position for a conference championship and the loser looking up at the top of the standings, wondering what could've been.

Another game to circle is the following week vs. Michigan. Michigan has a brand new coach in Kyle Whittingham, who is trying to reestablish an identity in Ann Arbor. This is a game Indiana can't overlook, as the rest of its schedule is easier entering its only bye week.

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Nonetheless, it seems Indiana is set up for success this season once again, as it will more than likely be fighting for a postseason spot for much of the season once its conference play officially begins. Indiana opted not to schedule any difficult, nonconference opponents, and while that may be a benefit at first glance, it could come back to hurt it if it can't beat Ohio State, USC, or Michigan when the committee is trying to factor in postseason consideration for the CFP.

By August, though, there will be a much clearer idea, as Indiana sits amongst the elite of the Big Ten. But, from an initial observation, things seem like they could be very successful once again in Bloomington for the third street season, fresh off a national championship victory against the Miami Hurricanes earlier this month.

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Only time will tell, though.

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