Indiana, the defending champion, will open its 2026 college football season as a commanding 40.5-point favorite against North Texas. The Hoosiers are set to begin their title defense on Saturday against a Mean Green squad that is facing a substantial rebuild.
North Texas is coming off its most successful season in program history, having won 12 games in 2025 and leading the country in multiple offensive categories. However, key figures from that success have departed. Head coach Eric Morris and star quarterback Drew Mestemaker have left Stillwater for Oklahoma State. This leaves new head coach Neal Brown, formerly of West Virginia, to rebuild the team.
The significant turnover on North Texas's roster, particularly on defense with almost no returning experience, sets the stage for Indiana's dominant position. Despite the departure of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is now in the NFL after a Heisman-winning season, Indiana's new quarterback, Josh Hoover, is expected to maintain the team's offensive prowess. Hoover, who played three seasons at TCU, is anticipated to be ready to lead the Hoosiers' offense against North Texas's inexperienced defense.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti aims to ensure his new quarterback gains ample experience before the team faces tougher opponents. The Hoosiers have a history of running up the score when opportunities arise, suggesting they may not ease off the gas, even in the second half, against a rebuilding North Texas squad. The Hoosiers are looking to start their season and title defense with a decisive victory.
