Pro Football Focus (PFF) has ranked Indiana's 2025 football schedule, under head coach Curt Cignetti, as one of the easiest in the nation, setting the stage for potentially another strong season for the Hoosiers.
After an unprecedented 11-2 season in 2024 that saw Indiana reach the College Football Playoff in Cignetti’s first year, the Hoosiers are garnering national attention and higher expectations. PFF's assessment of their schedule adds to the optimism surrounding the program.
Schedule Overview
Indiana's 2025 schedule features a promising start with a four-game homestand. The Hoosiers will open the season against Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State, all of which appear to be winnable games. The first significant test will come in Week 4 when they host Illinois, ranked 10th.
Following the initial stretch, Indiana will face tougher challenges on the road against Iowa and Oregon, known for their difficult playing environments. After a bye week, the Hoosiers return home for matchups against Michigan State and UCLA. The game against UCLA could prove tricky, especially with former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava leading their offense.
In November, Indiana will travel to Maryland and Penn State, with the latter presenting a particularly daunting environment, especially if it's a "whiteout" game. The season will conclude with a home game against Wisconsin and a rivalry game against Purdue for the Old Oaken Bucket.
Cignetti's Scheduling Philosophy
Curt Cignetti has defended Indiana's scheduling choices, stating that the program is adopting an "SEC scheduling philosophy". This approach involves playing three Group of Five (G5) or Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) games. Cignetti noted that many SEC teams follow a similar model, allowing them to focus on their conference games. He emphasized the importance of the nine conference games in the Big Ten.
Cignetti addressed the criticism surrounding the cancellation of a home-and-home series with Virginia, which leaves Indiana without a Power Four opponent until 2030 when they face Notre Dame. He highlighted that adding an extra home game and playing nine conference games was a priority.
National Recognition and Projections
PFF projects Indiana to win 7.92 games in 2025 and gives them an 89.08% chance of making a bowl game. They also estimate a 4.86% chance of winning the conference and a 21.21% chance of making the playoff.
PFF also ranks Indiana players among the best in college football. Edge Mikail Kamara, is considered the eighth-best edge in the nation and the best in the Big Ten. Kamara led all FBS edge defenders with 67 pressures in 2024. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is also recognized among the top 50 players.
Expert Analysis
PFF analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman have previewed Indiana's 2025 season, pointing out key factors for the team's success. The return of talent on defense, including players like D'Angelo Ponds, Mikail Kamara, and Aiden Fisher, is seen as a foundation for the team. While the defense was underrated last year, it was the most efficient in the country in terms of EPA per play.
The analysts also highlighted the importance of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from California. Mendoza's ability to limit turnover-worthy plays and avoid sacks will be crucial.
