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By the People, for the People
Indiana Hoosiers Remain Team to Beat in College Football Heading Into 2026
Defending national champions face questions about replacing key players, but still set the standard for the sport.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:08pm
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The 2026 college football season is approaching, and a key debate has emerged: Is there a clear frontrunner in the sport? While some argue there is no definitive team to beat, the evidence suggests the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers should be viewed as the team to chase, regardless of their personnel losses.
Why it matters
As the reigning national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers have established themselves as one of the top programs in college football. However, they face challenges in replacing significant production from their 2025 title-winning squad. This raises questions about whether they can maintain their dominance, and if there is a new powerhouse program ready to dethrone them.
The details
Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Indiana Hoosiers have compiled an impressive 27-2 record over the past two seasons, culminating in a national championship in 2025. Despite returning just 56% of their overall production, the Hoosiers remain the team to beat heading into 2026 due to the precedent set by defending champions in college football.
- The 2026 college football season is a few months away, as teams are just now getting started on spring practices.
- The Indiana Hoosiers won the national championship in the 2025 season, finishing with a 16-0 record.
The players
Curt Cignetti
The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who has led the program to a 27-2 record over the past two seasons.
Fernando Mendoza
The Indiana Hoosiers' quarterback, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after winning the school's first Heisman Trophy.
What’s next
The Indiana Hoosiers will need to replace a significant amount of production from their 2025 championship team, but they remain the team to beat heading into the 2026 season as the defending national champions.
The takeaway
College football is often unpredictable, but the defending national champion typically sets the standard for the sport, regardless of personnel changes. Until the Indiana Hoosiers are dethroned, they will remain the team that every other program is chasing in 2026.
