Much has been made of Indiana football's less-than-impressive nonconference schedules — especially after the Hoosiers' two-game series with Notre Dame was canceled. The programs were scheduled to play on their respective campuses in 2030 and 2031. Notre Dame turned around and used those newly created open dates to restore its series with USC. But by taking the Irish off their future schedules, the Hoosiers don't have a Power Four opponent outside of the Big Ten scheduled over the next six seasons. IU still has open dates in 2030-2032 it could add to. TOPPMEYER: Indiana talks a big game, but Hoosiers won't play a big name HAYES: Congrats, Gen Z: You finally hate Notre Dame football Never one to shy away from a sharp quip, IU coach Curt Cignetti was asked about the series cancellation on an appearance on the Big Ten Network on Friday, Aug. 14. "I’d like to play Notre Dame," Cignetti said. "They ought to come to our place twice, and we’ll go there once, since they’re not in a conference."
According to the South Bend Tribune — part of the USA TODAY Network — the ND-IU series was called off at the request of Indiana. In addition to games with USC in 2030-2033, the Irish have games scheduled against Michigan in 2033 and 2034, so adding a third Big Ten game would seem unlikely. The Hoosiers last played Notre Dame in the 2024 College Football Playoff, a 27-17 Irish win in South Bend. Prior to that, the two in-state schools had met just once since 1958 (a 1991 ND win). Indiana football future schedules nonconference opponents 2026
Sept. 5: North Texas Sept. 12: Howard Sept. 19: Western Kentucky
2027
Sept. 4: Kennesaw State Sept. 11: Indiana State Sept. 18: UMass
2028
Sept. 2: Austin Peay Sept. 9:Eastern Michigan Sept. 16: Miami (Ohio)
2029
Sept. 1: Ball State Sept. 8: Eastern Illinois Sept. 15: Western Kentucky
2030
Sept. 6: Indiana State Sept. 14: Delaware
2032
Sept. 18: at UConn
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Curt Cignetti fires back after Indiana takes heat for canceling Notre Dame series