Indiana University’s football team has kicked off the 2025 season with a surprising 5-0 record. It’s only the fourth time in program history they’ve pulled this off.
This strong start has vaulted the Hoosiers to No. 5 in ESPN’s Football Power Index and No. 3 in Bill Connelly’s SP+ projection. With Curt Cignetti at the helm, Indiana is suddenly in the thick of both the Big Ten and College Football Playoff (CFP) conversations.
Indiana’s Historic Start to the Season
Going 5-0 is no small feat for Indiana football. They’ve only managed it in 1910, 1967, and 2024 before now.
This year’s squad has shown some real grit, especially considering a schedule that hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. They’ve battled through both nonconference games and tough Big Ten opponents.
Key Wins and Milestones
Indiana’s run to 5-0 has featured a handful of big moments:
- 20-15 win at Iowa: That one mattered—a gritty road win to close out the first chunk of their schedule. The timing was perfect, too, leading right into a bye week.
- Blocked Kicks: Since last season, Indiana’s blocked seven kicks. Special teams have quietly become a real weapon for them.
- Nico Radicic: The redshirt sophomore drilled a career-long 46-yard field goal to close out the first half at Iowa. That’s the kind of clutch play you need.
- Elijah Sarratt: He just keeps catching passes. Sarratt’s up to 43 straight games with at least one catch, and he had six for 132 yards and a score against Iowa.
What the Rankings Say
The Hoosiers’ hot start hasn’t gone unnoticed. ESPN’s Football Power Index has them at No. 5, and Bill Connelly’s SP+ slots them at No. 3.
Indiana’s also jumped three spots to No. 9 in the US LBM coaches rankings and sits at No. 8 in the AP poll. Not bad for a team that’s usually under the radar.
Strength of Record
Indiana currently boasts the No. 7 strength of record in the country. That means their wins have come against some decent competition.
Honestly, that’s a big deal for the CFP committee, which loves a strong résumé.
Upcoming Challenges
But let’s be real—things are about to get tougher. The Hoosiers have some real tests coming up that’ll show whether they’re for real or just off to a lucky start.
Big Ten Showdowns
That October 11 matchup with Oregon is the one everyone’s circling. Both teams have a lot riding on it, especially after Oregon’s overtime win at Penn State.
And the road doesn’t get easier from there. Indiana will also see Illinois, who could be dangerous if they figure things out, and the usual Big Ten giants.
- Illinois: Maybe not the flashiest opponent, but you never know—they could surprise if they bounce back.
- Michigan and Ohio State: These are the games that separate contenders from pretenders. Indiana will have to bring their best.
Coach Curt Cignetti’s Impact
Credit where it’s due—head coach Curt Cignetti has made a huge difference. His leadership style feels like a breath of fresh air for this program.
Cignetti’s been preaching resilience and teamwork, and you can see it on the field. The players seem to buy in, which isn’t always a given.
Player Development
He’s also getting the most out of his guys. Radicic and Sarratt, for example, have stepped up in big moments.
That kind of player development doesn’t just happen. It’s a sign of a coaching staff that knows what it’s doing—even if they’re still figuring some things out as they go.
Looking Ahead
It’s early, sure, but Indiana’s put itself in the conversation. If they keep this up, who knows how far they could go?
Remaining Schedule
The road ahead looks tough. Indiana’s got the talent and coaching to handle it, though.
Key games against Oregon, Michigan, and Ohio State are coming up. Those matchups will probably decide everything.
For more in-depth coverage of Indiana’s season and their playoff projections, check out the IndyStar.
Stick around as we keep following Indiana’s wild ride through the season. There’s still a lot of football left, and honestly, the Hoosiers have already turned some heads in 2025.
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