While Penn State crumbles and most of college football’s elite programs live up to preseason expectations, one team has captured the nation’s imagination with an unexpected journey to the undefeated ranks: the Indiana Hoosiers.
At 8-0 overall with a perfect 4-0 record in Big Ten play, Indiana has engineered one of college football’s most surprising turnarounds, positioning themselves as a legitimate threat to reach the College Football Playoff and potentially win a Big Ten Championship.
From Afterthought to Contender
Indiana football has historically been one of college football’s perennial underperformers. The program hasn’t won a Big Ten championship since 1987 and hasn’t appeared in a Bowl Championship Series or College Football Playoff game in the modern era.
But the 2025 season has been different.
Coming into the year with minimal preseason hype and a roster many expected to struggle, the Hoosiers have defied expectations at nearly every turn. Their success has been built on:
- Defensive Excellence: Holding opponents to historic lows
- Opportunistic Offense: Converting red-zone chances and scoring efficiently
- Special Teams Impact: Winning field position battles
- Cohesion and Discipline: Minimal turnovers and penalties
The Marquee Victory: Defeating Oregon on the Road
The signature win of Indiana’s season came in Week 7 when they traveled to Eugene and defeated No. 6 Oregon. This victory accomplished something historic: Indiana claimed their first-ever top-5 road win in program history.
That moment—capturing a convincing win at Autzen Stadium against one of the Pac-12’s most storied programs—crystallized Indiana’s legitimacy and proved this wasn’t a fluke early-season run.
Understanding the Strength of Schedule
Indiana’s remaining five opponents have a combined record of 14-21, which presents both an opportunity and a criticism:
The Opportunity: Indiana can realistically maintain an undefeated record through the regular season and potentially reach a 12-0 record heading into the Big Ten Championship Game.
The Criticism: Skeptics argue Indiana hasn’t faced the murderer’s row of teams that Ohio State and other blue bloods have encountered. This will surely be a talking point come playoff selection time.
Remaining Schedule:
- @ Maryland (Nov 1)
- @ Michigan State (Nov 8)
- vs. Purdue (Nov 15)
- vs. Illinois (Nov 22)
- @ Wisconsin (Nov 29)
All five remaining opponents are currently unranked.
Indiana vs. Ohio State: The Championship Game Collision Course
The truly compelling narrative is the potential December showdown between undefeated Indiana (8-0) and No. 1 Ohio State (7-0). If both teams win their remaining games, a 12-0 Hoosiers team would face a 12-0 Buckeyes squad in the Big Ten Championship Game.
The Historical Context: Indiana hasn’t defeated Ohio State since 1988—37 years ago. The Buckeyes have dominated this matchup throughout the modern era, and even an undefeated Indiana team would be heavy underdogs.
Yet there’s legitimate intrigue here: Would an undefeated team that beats Ohio State win the Big Ten Championship and potentially earn a #1 or #2 seed in the College Football Playoff? Or would a 12-0 Ohio State team with a tougher strength of schedule still be preferred?
The Cinderella Narrative
What makes Indiana’s 2025 season so compelling is the narrative. In an era where the same programs win year after year, Indiana represents something different—a program that’s built sustainably, developed young talent, and positioned itself as a dark horse contender.
Key factors in Indiana’s rise:
- Coaching Stability: Head Coach Curt Cignetti took over before the 2024 season and is implementing his vision effectively
- Transfer Portal Success: Selective, intelligent use of the transfer portal for key positions
- Defensive Dominance: A defense that’s among the nation’s most stingy
- Complementary Football: Playing disciplined football and avoiding mistakes
Bowl Eligibility and Playoff Implications
With five games remaining against a combined 14-21 competition, Indiana is essentially guaranteed a bowl berth and almost certainly will enter the Big Ten Championship Game undefeated (barring a shocking loss).
Playoff Implications:
- An 8-0 Indiana team with a road win over Oregon is in the Playoff conversation
- A 12-0 Indiana team would virtually guarantee a Playoff spot, likely as a #3 or #4 seed
- A 13-0 Indiana team (if they beat Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship) could potentially be a #1 or #2 seed depending on other results
Comparing Indiana to Other Undefeated Teams
As of late October 2025, the undefeated teams in FBS include:
- Ohio State (7-0, #1 ranked): Toughest schedule remaining
- Indiana (8-0, #20+ ranked): Softest schedule remaining
- Miami: Eastern Conference contender
Indiana has the longest undefeated streak of the group and has one more win under their belt.
The Strength of Character Test
For Indiana to fully silence critics and earn respect among the college football establishment, they’ll need to:
- Win Out: Maintain perfection through the regular season (not guaranteed)
- Beat Ohio State: Win the battle that’s eluded them since 1988
- Compete in Playoffs: If they make the Playoff, show they belong among the sport’s elite
If Indiana achieves all three, the Hoosiers won’t just have a great season—they’ll have engineered one of college football’s greatest Cinderella stories.
What Indiana’s Success Means for the Big Ten
Indiana’s rise, combined with Ohio State’s dominance, creates an interesting dynamic:
- The Big Ten could have two playoff teams if Indiana wins out
- If they beat Ohio State in the Championship Game, Indiana becomes the Big Ten representative
- The conference’s strength is on clear display, even if teams like Penn State are struggling
The Long-Term Implications
If Indiana finishes 12-1 or 13-0, program momentum shifts dramatically. Recruiting becomes easier when you’re winning. Coaching retention improves. The narrative around the program changes from “Big Ten doormat” to “rising power.”
Conversely, if Indiana falls to Ohio State decisively or loses before the Championship Game, it becomes a very good season in isolation but loses some of its luster.
Conclusion: Indiana’s Path to Glory
Indiana’s 2025 season is a reminder that college football’s traditional power structures can be challenged. With five games remaining against sub-.500 competition, the Hoosiers are positioned to make history—either as the first Indiana team to reach the College Football Playoff, or potentially as Big Ten Champions.
The road to immortality runs through winning out, but for the first time in decades, Indiana fans have genuine reason to believe their team can achieve something special.
The Cinderella story is far from over.
Next up for the Hoosiers: A trip to Maryland on November 1, a team currently 4-3. Indiana looks to extend their undefeated streak and inch closer to a potential matchup with No. 1 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.