The Indiana Hoosiers have several high-profile matchups on the 2026 schedule that are sure to deliver plenty of fireworks. The premiere matchup featured on the Hoosiers’ schedule is an October 17 clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Hoosiers will have home field advantage in that highly-anticipated contest, and the Hoosier faithful will undoubtedly create a raucous atmosphere at Memorial Stadium. Given the elite success of both programs over the last two seasons, this has serious Game of the Year potential.
The hype surrounding October’s Big Ten Championship Game rematch continues build, and CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford believes an instant classic could be in store.
Indiana vs Ohio State continues to build hype months away from kick-off
When ranking the 15 most meaningful games of the upcoming 2026 season, Crawford has the Indiana vs. Ohio State matchup slated into the No. 2 spot. It is the highest-ranked regular season matchup in the country, as the only contest it trails on the list is the SEC Championship Game.
“Before Curt Cignetti’s arrival in Bloomington, this matchup would have seemed absurd to include. Now, this mid-October clash pits the last two national champions against each other. Indiana has become one of the sport’s most fascinating powers, while Ohio State remains the conference’s most talented roster on paper. “
At this time, the October 17 matchup against the Buckeyes is Indiana’s hardest game of the season. The Buckeyes figure to enter the season as National Championship contenders once again, and will most likely be a Top-5 team in the Preseason AP Top-25 Poll.
The Buckeyes and Hoosiers have won the last two National Championships, and they are both among the early favorites to win it all in this upcoming season. Thus, it wouldn’t be surprising to see both teams ranked in the Top-5 of the AP Poll when this heavyweight clash rolls around.
Ohio State looking to avenge Big Ten title game against Indiana in October 17 matchup
Indiana is 1-1 against Ohio State during the Cignetti era. The Buckeyes defeated the Hoosiers by a score of 35-17 in Columbus during Cignetti’s first season in 2024. It was Indiana’s only loss of the regular season, and Ohio State went on to win the national title.
Cignetti and company were able to get their revenge this past December in the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. In a defensive slugfest, Indiana defeated Ohio State 13-10 to win its first Big Ten title since 1967 and locked in their No. 1 overall ranking for the College Football Playoff.
Those matchups set the stage for what is sure to be an entertaining game from start to finish. Assuming neither team suffers a bad loss in the early weeks of the season, it’s also very possible that College GameDay makes its way to Bloomington for this much-anticipated showdown.
