Indiana football opens its 2026 season Saturday against North Texas at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers start the year ranked No. 6 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, third among Big Ten teams behind No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Oregon. They begin their quest for a second national championship against the Mean Green.
Indiana vs. North Texas: Date, Time and TV Channel
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
- Kickoff: Noon ET
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana
- TV: Fox
IU football is also available to stream through a free Fubo trial.
Odds and Early Outlook
BetMGM lists Indiana as a 41.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 55.5 total points. The Hoosiers are, to a significant degree, starting over as they try to back up the most unlikely season in college football history.
- Spread: Indiana -41.5
- Over/Under: 55.5 points
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
Curt Cignetti brought in transfers quarterback Josh Hoover, wide receiver Nick Marsh and running back Turbo Richard to power the offense. Indiana’s defense is stout.
North Texas has named former Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson as its QB1, giving the Mean Green a signal-caller who knows the Hoosiers from the other side of the line.
Indiana Football 2026 Schedule
All times Eastern.
- Sept. 5 — North Texas, noon, Fox
- Sept. 12 — Howard, noon, BTN
- Sept. 19 — Western Kentucky, 4 p.m., Peacock
- Sept. 25 — Northwestern, 8 p.m., Fox
- Oct. 3 — at Rutgers, 8 p.m., network TBA
- Oct. 10 — at Nebraska, time and network TBA
- Oct. 17 — Ohio State, time and network TBA
- Oct. 24 — at Michigan, time and network TBA
- Oct. 31 — Minnesota, time and network TBA
- Bye week
- Nov. 14 — USC, time and network TBA
- Nov. 21 — at Washington, time and network TBA
- Nov. 28 — Purdue, time and network TBA
Has Indiana Ever Won a National Championship in Football?
Yes. Indiana went 16-0 in the 2025 season, defeating Miami 27-21 on Jan. 19, 2026, for the national title. That gives the Hoosiers a chance to chase a second championship this season.
Tickets and Merchandise
IU football tickets are available on StubHub, and Indiana football gear is available through Fanatics.
Injury Updates and Game Week Coverage
This preview will be updated throughout the week with the latest injury news, coaches’ comments, line movement and game-day developments leading up to kickoff.
