9-3 a disappointment? I would have given my right nut for 9-3 season 3 years ago.
It’s nice that’s a bold prediction. With all the roster turnover it seems reasonably possible.
I like Tom. He’s a big Illini fan, IUFB definitely annoys him and it’s kinda funny when he boils over about it.
Listen to Cignetti’s answer to the last question he received at his press conference today. I never heard him speak about his team like that in spring ball the previous two seasons.
I think it's entirely possible to go 9-3 this year. I'd put it behind 10-2 and 11-1, but ahead of 12-0 if I were ranking my expected regular season records.https://www.si.com/college/indiana/football/could-indiana-really-go-9-3-in-2026
OSU
Michigan
USC
Washington
Any of those could come up and bite us.
I think it's entirely possible to go 9-3 this year. I'd put it behind 10-2 and 11-1, but ahead of 12-0 if I were ranking my expected regular season records.https://www.si.com/college/indiana/football/could-indiana-really-go-9-3-in-2026
OSU
Michigan
USC
Washington
Any of those could come up and bite us.
Depth is always a concern, particularly with the long first stretch of the season including two road trips (RU & NEB) followed by OSU and @ MICH and MINN for homecoming before the bye.
Then USC and @ WASH.
That's a pretty tough stretch. A couple key injuries and we could well and truly have a rough road.
I'm optimistic that Osterman reported yesterday that they had some of the younger QBs taking snaps with the 1s & 2s. Quite frankly, we've been lucky the last two years that Rourke & Mendoza have been tough as nails. We're also lucky (or probably just strategic) in building a team meant to run the ball & with great defense.
It's cliche and a bit boring, but I think the team will go as far as the defense & OL take them pounding the rock and controlling the game.
And I am REALLY looking forward to the spring game. With the number of OL out, I expect it to be another spring game where the defense looks a lot better than the offense. That's how I've perceived the last two years, but it's turned out that it's primarily been because the defenses have been outstanding and was not an indictment on the offenses at all. If the offense looks competent, we'll be fine. If the offense looks good, watch out for another really good season.
@tmft We reported that too. Osterman was also not at practice yesterday and hasn't been for most of the spring. Everyone has depth issues in this era of CFB. Cignetti also said that IU is deeper at CB than they have been, which says a lot. IU's depth will depend on how these younger players develop over the next couple of months. They have some guys who should be ready to see if they can contribute.
9-3 a disappointment? I would have given my right nut for 9-3 season 3 years ago.
The good news if IU were to be in this position, is IU is now one of those teams who get to reap the rewards of the proverbial, "eye test". IU's name now has clout when before, we had 1 loss and people said we shouldn't have been in. I don't think that mistake will be made again, which is another benefit of being the Apex predator in college football.
@yothn I doubt it. Especially if IU drops games against OSU, Michigan and USC.
@thehoosierhuddle I think that would be true for just about anyone. Two losses should definitely be survivable though…
@jj_mcclure Yes, 10-2 should get you into the Playoff. No three-loss team should be in, but that's just my opinion
12-0
Rose Bowl
@myteamisonthefloor knew i could count on you. We are going to be in New Albany for the traveling trophys are you going to be there??
BEAT PURDUE
@myteamisonthefloor https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2026/3/20/indiana-university-athletics-announces-iu-football-national-championship-trophy-tour