Watch: 'Tokyo Toe' UDFA call from Raiders who inspired his football journey
Watch Kansei Matsuzawa, 'The Tokyo Toe', get the call from the Raiders!
Indiana football is ranked among top teams after a strong spring practice, led by coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers aim to build on their 16-0 record as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Mentioned in this story
Where Indiana football stands in way-too-early rankings after spring practices
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 â and more. Here's where the experts place IU a few months from its Sept. 5 opener against North Texas.
Mark Schlabach, ESPN: 6th
Indiana football is currently ranked among the top teams following their successful spring practices.
The head coach of Indiana football is Curt Cignetti.
Indiana football had an impressive 16-0 record last season.
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall in the NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Watch Kansei Matsuzawa, 'The Tokyo Toe', get the call from the Raiders!
Ethan Page finally debuts on WWE Raw after 20 years of hard work!
Colorado is eyeing Division II defensive tackle Jaylen Harris for transfer.
Dodgers' success in 2026 attributed to strong starting pitching.
Week 5 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Key Updates on Hitters
Nikita Zadorov will play against the Sabres after a controversial cross check on Rasmus Dahlin.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
"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. Yes, the Hoosiers are losing a lot, but it seems foolish to doubt Cignetti and his staff at this point."
Alicia de Artola, FadSided: Considers ESPN's ranking too hopeful
"Indiana will still be a contender in the Big Ten and a formidable team to play. However, they're more likely to stumble this time around after losing so many key players. Cignetti brought in a bunch of high-profile recruits to fill those gaps and I'm sure many of them will do well. But transfer trends across the country suggest he's bound to miss on more than a couple. There are many things that can make a key transfer unsuccessful, from fit to chemistry to just needing more time to find footing. Dealing with one too many of those issues can move a team out of the top 10."
"My rule is a simple one: The defending champs stay No. 1. Indiana went 16-0 last season, bludgeoning everyone in its path. The Hoosiers have to fill a ton of holes, but Curt Cignetti hasnât missed yet on a transfer evaluation. I love his new quarterback (Josh Hoover from TCU) and I trust Cignetti will have a retooled group playing with more of an edge rather than any sort of complacency."
USA TODAY: 5th
"The defending national champs shouldnât miss a beat on offense. While he didnât have a great spring game, TCU quarterback transfer Josh Hoover has acclimated to the scheme. Likewise with Michigan State receiver transfer Nick Marsh. Defensively, the Indiana front looks the part of another bulldozing unit after showcasing a ton of depth during spring drills. One asset in the Hoosiersâ corner is the fact that Curt Cignetti lost just one assistant from last yearâs staff and was able to keep both coordinators."
Best case scenario: 12-0 overall, 9-0 in the Big Ten. Worst-case scenario: 9-3, 6-3. Unless you're liquidating all of Curt Cignetti's stock at its highest value, don't expect the Hoosiers to fall outside of the top 15 coming off the program's first national championship.
Want more Hoosiers coverage? Sign up for IndyStar's Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the latest on IndyStar TV: Hoosiers.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana football way too early college football rankings 2026