The first official 2026 college football preseason poll was released on Monday afternoon.
And Curt Cignetti has likely found another motivational tool for his third season in Bloomington.
Indiana is No. 6 in the preseason coaches poll, a panel of 73 coaches across the nation that includes Cignetti. The coaches put Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Texas and Notre Dame ahead of the Hoosiers. Despite being ranked sixth, IU received the second-most No. 1 votes (14) behind Ohio State (38).
This is the highest IU has ever been ranked in the preseason coaches poll, but a surprising outlook for the reigning national champions.
The Hoosiers were No. 19 in the 2025 preseason coaches poll before they rattled off 16 straight wins and claimed the national championship.
Ranked opponents on Indiana’s 2026 schedule include No. 1 Ohio State, No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, and No. 19 Washington. Nebraska also received votes.
Also from the Big Ten but not on the schedule in the preseason coaches poll are No. 2 Oregon and No. 22 Iowa. Illinois also received votes.
IU opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against North Texas at Noon ET in Bloomington.
IU Football Offseason essentials:
- 2026 schedule
- Depth Charts: Offense / Defense
- 2026 position previews
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