IU football won its first national championship Monday night by defeating Miami (FL) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The kick-off for the 2026 season is still more than seven months away, but this morning the first top 25 rankings from various national media emerged.
Here’s a look at where the Hoosiers stand:
ESPN.com – Number 1
“The biggest upset in college football history culminated with Indiana winning its first national championship on Monday night. Now 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 signed 53 transfers over the past two seasons, and they are bringing in at least a dozen more this year. Hoover, who played 31 games for the Horned Frogs, would could be among the elite if he cuts back on turnovers, Richard was an important addition as Hemby and Kaelon Black move on. IU has a handful of other starters, including receiver Omar Cooper Jr., cornerback D’Angelo Ponds and left tackle Carter Smith, who may be heading to the NFL, but it seems foolish to doubt Cignetti at this point.
The Athletics – No. 6
WR Omar Cooper Jr., LT Carter Smith and CB D’Angelo Ponds have not yet announced their NFL decisions. Regardless, Indiana will lose most of its offense after winning the national title, as well as some key defenders, but it should still have explosive skill talent and a solid D-line. Curt Cignetti tapped TCU’s Hoover (9,629 career passing yards) to succeed Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to enters the draft. IU’s highly regarded portal class includes reinforcements at almost every position, but especially receivers and pass rushers.
CBSSports.com – No. 8
“We doubted Indiana could replicate the 2024 season by reloading, and yet the Hoosiers were much better. Curt Cignetti will side with another transfer quarterback for the third year in a row, leaving the nation’s passing leader, TCU’s Josh Hoover, to lead the offense. The transfer class featured more power conference players than ever before under Cignetti, a sign that the Hoosiers are here to stay.”
USA Today – No. 4
“Indiana isn’t going anywhere after its first national title. While many key players will be leaving, including several former James Madison transfers, the foundation has been laid to keep the Hoosiers in the title mix. The biggest additions are quarterback Josh Hoover (TCU), cornerback AJ Harris (Penn State), wide receiver Nick Marsh (Michigan State) and offensive lineman Joe Brunner (Wisconsin), part of what is once again the nation’s top transfer class. There’s every reason to believe Curt It Cignetti’s success is sustainable.”
FOXSports.com – Number 1
“There is no more Fernando Mendoza. No more Heisman winner. The dream of the 2025 season for Indiana is complete and now in the rearview mirror. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti’s next task is to field a team that wins at least eleven games and earns an invitation to the College Football Playoff for the third straight season.”
The sports news – No. 1
Why should we doubt Curt Cignetti? The Hoosiers will suffer tough losses in the 2026 NFL Draft – including potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza – but Indiana will combine returners like receiver Charlie Becker and defensive tackle Rolijah Hardy with another strong portal class. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (3,472 yards, 29 TDs, 13 INTs), Boston College running back Turbo Richard (749 yards, 9 TDs), Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh (662 yards, 6 TDs) and Kansas State edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi (4 sacks) led the changes Indiana also had a top-25 recruiting class this year.
Yahoo Sports – #3
“The Hoosiers have become one of the best teams at navigating the transfer portal and they have the top class in the country in 2026 after winning the national championship this season. Former TCU QB Josh Hoover is in line to replace Fernando Mendoza and WR Nick Marsh is a great addition from Michigan State. Don’t forget the sharp depth that Curt Cignetti also signed.”
On3.com – No. 5
“At this point, we have to trust that Curt Cignetti will fill out his roster with players who can compete at the highest level. Yes, the Hoosiers are losing a lot of talent from this team. But TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover arrives in Bloomington with an even better resume than Fernando Mendoza had last year. Plus, homegrown talent like receiver Charlie Becker and lead Daniel Ndukwe are poised to be stars.”
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