Indiana Hoosiers might already be an underrated 2026 Big Ten team

As defending champions, Indiana demands respect. Given the type of coach Curt Cignetti is, there is no reason to doubt the Hoosiers coming into this season. This is still a team that should be headed for a College Football Playoff berth and compete for another Big Ten title. In a recent article, Nick Kosko gives his perspective on why the Hoosiers are still viewed as a contender this season. Here is what he had to say: "Indiana is another Big Ten team high up the Coaches Poll to start the year. The reigning national championships had a lot of roster turnover, but there were some key returners to the 2026 squad. Either way, Curt Cignetti knows how to coach, Google him. Josh Hoover takes over at QB coming in from TCU, WR Nick Marsh from Michigan State and Turbo Richard at RB, who came from Boston College. Throw in veteran Carter Smith at OT and fellow WR Charlie Becker, there are some title holders from last year ready to run it back." The Hoosiers' defense will still be hounding their opponents in the Big Ten and the rest of college football. Josh Hoover is a step down from Fernando Mendoza, but this season will be another year to prove just how great a coach Cignetti is. Last season, the Hoosiers were a dominant force, but the version the Trojans will have to face this year will still be a nightmare of a matchup. Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Indiana Hoosiers might already be an underrated 2026 Big Ten team