Indiana Football Announces 2026 Spring Game Date

Hoosiers' annual exhibition set for April 23, the week of Little 500 races

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti revealed the date for the team's 2026 spring game during a podcast appearance. The Hoosiers' spring game will take place on Thursday, April 23, the same week as the annual Little 500 races in Bloomington. Cignetti noted the format will be similar to past years, offering fans a first look at new players like quarterback Josh Hoover, running back Turbo Richard, and cornerback AJ Harris.

Why it matters

Indiana's spring game is a highly anticipated event for the program and its fans, providing an early glimpse of the team's roster and potential for the upcoming season. The timing of the game during Little 500 week also aligns with a major campus tradition, potentially drawing larger crowds and generating more excitement around the football team.

The details

Unlike past seasons, there will be no spring transfer portal window this year, meaning Indiana will not be able to make key additions during that period as they have in the past, such as signing defensive tackle CJ West in 2024. The spring game format will be similar to previous years under Cignetti, who brought back the exhibition after it became a scrimmage in 2023.

  • The 2026 Indiana football spring game will take place on Thursday, April 23.
  • The spring game will occur during the week of the annual Little 500 races in Bloomington.

The players

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana football team, who revealed the date for the 2026 spring game during a podcast appearance.

Josh Hoover

An incoming quarterback for the Indiana football team who fans will get a first look at during the 2026 spring game.

Turbo Richard

An incoming running back for the Indiana football team who fans will get a first look at during the 2026 spring game.

AJ Harris

An incoming cornerback for the Indiana football team who fans will get a first look at during the 2026 spring game.

CJ West

A defensive tackle who Indiana signed during a past spring transfer portal window, which will not be available this year.

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What they’re saying

“The Hoosiers' spring game will take place on Thursday, April 23, the same week of the annual Little 500 races in Bloomington. The format will be similar to the past years.”

— Curt Cignetti, Head Coach, Indiana Football (The Triple Option podcast)

What’s next

Fans will be eager to see the new talent on display during the 2026 spring game, which will offer an early preview of the Hoosiers' roster and potential for the upcoming season. The elimination of the spring transfer portal window also means Indiana will need to rely more heavily on its incoming recruiting class to fill key positions.

The takeaway

Indiana's spring game is a highly anticipated annual event that generates excitement around the football program and aligns with the campus's rich traditions. While the elimination of the spring transfer portal window presents a new challenge, the Hoosiers' coaching staff is focused on developing their talented incoming class to ensure the team's continued success.