Can the Hoosiers repeat in 2026?
Oddsmakers believe Indiana is right back in the conversation as a national championship contender.
Here’s a closer look at what they’re saying about Indiana’s national title, projected win total, and Heisman Trophy chances in 2026.
CAN IU FOOTBALL WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE IN 2026?
Across five different sports books, IU is a consensus of +750 to win the 2026 College Football Playoff title, which means for every $100 wagered, a profit of $750 will be made. Those odds place Indiana fourth nationally, behind Ohio State (+600), Texas (+700) and Notre Dame (+700). Oregon, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Texas Tech and Texas A&M round out the top-10.
Indiana’s preseason odds were +10,000 to win the national championship at this time last year, and around +200,000 ahead of the 2024 season.
WHAT IS INDIANA’S 2026 OVER UNDER WIN TOTAL?
When it comes to an over/under win total, BetMGM sets the bar at 10.5 wins. Texas Tech (11.5) and Notre Dame (11.5) have higher over/under win total projections, while Miami is also set at 10.5.
On a preseason win total basis, Indiana has progressed from 5.5 to 8.5 to 10.5 each year under Curt Cignetti.
WHAT ABOUT THE HEISMAN?
Indiana has had a quarterback finish in the top-10 of the Heisman voting each of the last two years, and oddsmakers believe that pattern will continue.
Josh Hoover is tied for fifth with Oregon’s Dante Moore at +1,200 to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy.
Fernando Mendoza made some IU fans a lot of money last year. His Heisman Trophy odds at this time last year were +5,000. Kurtis Rourke’s preseason odds two years ago ranged from +15,000 to +30,000.
Soon we will start getting a closer look at these 2026 Hoosiers.
Indiana’s spring game is expected to be played on April 23, with a slate of spring practices leading up to that evening in Bloomington.
They open the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against North Texas.
For the full 2026 schedule, GO HERE.
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
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