In the first two games of the 2026 season, Indiana Football did what they were supposed to do – Win.
But they didn’t just win, they dominated. As expected of a top five team and the returning national champions.
However, against their last non-conference opponent, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, the script changed, and even though they shut their opponent out, Indiana had some struggles across the board.
Offensive Outlier
It was the first scoreless first quarter for Indiana since their Rose Bowl victory against Alabama at the start of 2026, with IU Kicker Paddy McAteer missing his first field goal attempt of the game. With the last two first quarters for IU resulting in at least two touchdowns, some eyebrows were raised at the upset in production from this offense.
“I think we have big play possibilities this year for a very explosive offense,” said quarterback Josh Hoover. “But today, we kind of fell short.”
The only thing that statistically rose for this offense was Hoover’s passing attempts. This is the first game of the season where Hoover was able to throw over 20 times, going 18 for 24, and garnering 273 yards.
Only five minutes into the 2nd quarter was when things started to click, with Hoover connecting with second year receiver Davion Chandler for his third touchdown. Chandler has scored three touchdowns on three receptions this season, a fun note for this efficient receiving corps.
“I gotta go give him a text or something, that’s awesome,” said wide receiver Charlie Becker, who also scored with his own 79-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
The Defense’s “Sharpe” Turn
With 5th year defensive back Jamari Sharpe returning to the starting lineup after an unfortunate game one exit, things looked promising for the already forceful defensive front.
“It’s great to have him out there, he can play as everyone saw last year and this year,” said senior linebacker Isaiah Jones. “He’s just a dominant player on the field.”
Even with Sharpe back on the field, the star of the show was Jones, who turned the tide of the game with his interception late in the second quarter. It allowed the Hoosiers to head into the half up two scores, and an overall boost to the team.
Are the Hoosiers ready for Big Ten play?
Head Coach Curt Cignetti seems to think so.
“I think our guys, it’s just human nature, they’ll be ready to do the things they need to do,” said Cignetti.
He said the ability to play an “exhibition season” has allowed his team the chance to learn, grow, and heal, especially with the shorter offseason from the National Championship.
“Of course, we get criticized because we kind of play an exhibition season before we go in the Big Ten play, and I can understand that, but those exhibition seasons have been real valuable for us,” said Cignetti. “We've needed these games to learn about ourselves, our guys, and where we are, and what we have to do to be the best we can be.”
Currently ranked 4th on the AP Poll, the Hoosiers will host Northwestern on Friday for their first conference matchup of the 2026 season.
