2025 Indiana Hoosiers and Big Ten Football Preview

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Indiana Hoosiers: Reigning Champions

The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers captured the Big Ten and national championship, becoming the first team in the modern era to achieve a perfect 16-0 season. Returning with 10 starters, they boast the most sought-after coach in the game and face a manageable schedule. However, Ohio State and Oregon presently lead the preseason discussions, taking the top two spots in the AP Top 25 poll among eight ranked teams.

Big Ten Contenders: Ohio State and Oregon

Consensus suggests Ohio State and Oregon are both formidable this season. With TCU transfer Josh Hoover stepping in for Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza, skeptics believe Indiana might slow down. Yet, coach Curt Cignetti, boasting a 27-2 record with two College Football Playoff appearances at Indiana, remains unbowed.

“Doubt coach Curt Cignetti at your own peril.”

Cignetti’s success was underscored when he held the trophy after Indiana’s victory against Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Ohio State’s Schedule and Strengths

Ohio State faces a challenging schedule with key games at Indiana (Oct. 17) and hosting Oregon (Nov. 7) that will be pivotal in determining Big Ten championship contenders and CFP standings. Boasting players like receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, Ohio State features a strong offensive line and a defense ready to emerge, despite replacing eight drafted starters.

Seasoned Strength at Oregon

Oregon returns with a seasoned team. Quarterback Dante Moore is among six returning offensive starters, while the defense, led by tackle A’Mauri Washington and edge Matayo Uiagalelei, welcomes back eight starters.

Other Challengers

Southern California, led by Lincoln Riley in his fifth season, fields a strong team with a grueling schedule that includes home games against Oregon and Ohio State and a visit to Indiana. Quarterback Jayden Maiava looks to extend his streak after 17 straight starts.

Michigan aims to enhance their offense with QB Bryce Underwood, who might improve under OC Jason Beck, alongside Michigan alumni Kyle Whittingham from Utah. First-year Penn State coach Matt Campbell brought over 24 players from Iowa State, facing a schedule without Ohio State, Oregon, or Indiana.

Team on the Rise: Washington

Washington retains dynamic QB Demond Williams Jr., and hopes to rebuild a top-tier Big Ten defense under Jedd Fisch. Their schedule poses a slight increase in difficulty compared to 2025.

Other Teams and Challenges

Iowa maintains consistent performance since 2013, overcoming a need to rebuild its defensive line and deciding between inexperienced quarterbacks. Illinois positions Katin Houser as QB, while Minnesota continues its streak of wins against ranked opponents with quarterback Drake Lindsey.

Nebraska’s Matt Rhule hopes to improve on a 19-19 record. Wisconsin seeks offensive revigoration via Colton Joseph and Abu Sama III. UCLA, guided by Bob Chesney, sees 10 transfers from James Madison. Northwestern appointed Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, Malik Washington at Maryland and Michigan State under Pat Fitzgerald are poised to raise their competitiveness.

Rutgers has recorded the fewest conference wins since 2014. Purdue struggles with 18 consecutive Big Ten losses.