No.6 Hoosiers Handle Mean Green 52-16 to Start 1-0

The Indiana Hoosiers won their 17^th game in a row, handling the North Texas Mean Green 52-16 to start the 2026 season 1-0. It was a sweltering afternoon in Bloomington with on-field temperatures exceeding 150 degrees. Claiming IU’s offense was “hotter than the fans baking in the stands” wouldn’t be quite accurate but Josh Hoover was fantastic and IU breezed to 52 points. Former IU quarterback Tayven Jackson and the North Texas offense gave IU’s defense some issues but it was not nearly enough to put the outcome in doubt as IU pulled away with the game’s final 21 points.

Hoosier Happenings

• The weather was a factor as players and fans dealt with sweltering temperatures and exposure to the sun all afternoon. The FOX broadcast relayed an on-field temperature of 152 degrees. Yes, both teams have to deal with it but that almost certainly has an impact of some sort.
• Indiana struggled in the opening game of each of the past two seasons and that trend continued on the defensive side. IU’s defense struggled against North Texas’ running game as Jaheim White and Tayven Jackson combined to gash the Hoosiers repeatedly. In particular, IU’s perimeter run defense was really poor. There’s no reason to sound any alarm bells just yet but it’s worth monitoring moving forward.
• IU’s defense was certainly not helped by early injuries to starting cornerbacks Jamari Sharpe and AJ Harris. They both left the game early and we await word on the severity. Jaylen Bell and Ryland Gandy were the primary options off the bench.
• Josh Hoover and the IU passing attack was incredibly sharp. Nick Marsh had a spectacular one-handed catch in the end zone and Charlie Becker had a pair of scores. For most of the contest, the Hoosiers had more points scored than plays run. The running game was not completely clicking but it was a very effective outing for Mike Shanahan’s attack.
• Paddy McAteer was absolutely punishing the ball on kickoffs and IU had multiple really good kickoff returns. Overall, special teams was a strength this afternoon.

Standout Stats From IU’s 1-0 Start

• North Texas had 152 yards on the ground and averaged four yards per rush. North Texas deserves a lot of credit for the way their offense attacked this game and IU’s defense struggled to find an answer for Jaheim White.
• Indiana’s offense only ran 45 plays so the total yardage doesn’t really stand out. IU was really efficient though, averaging 8.11 yards per play.
• Josh Hoover was outstanding: 13-16 with 231 yards and four touchdowns and the ball was never in danger. Fantastic first game for the TCU transfer (minus the bleeding cut on the bridge of his nose in the first half).

What’s Next?

The Indiana Hoosiers will stay at home and host FCS foe Howard. Get ready for the BTN announcers saying “The Howard Bison against Hoosier the Bison” roughly 25 times next Saturday. Hoosier Huddle will have a whole lot more coverage on IU’s 1-0 start.