MIAMI GARDENS — The Big Ten quickly responded to the successful season of Indiana football, freshly crowned as national champions. The No. 1 Hoosiers, who completed their perfect season with a 27-21 victory over Miami on Monday night, will now face Ohio State in a highly anticipated rematch of the Big Ten Championship game scheduled for October 17.
This exciting matchup will serve as a precursor to the full conference schedule for 2026, set to be unveiled in the upcoming weeks. Indiana’s victory marks the end of a daunting 32-game losing streak, culminating in their triumph over Ohio State in the previous championship with a nail-biting 13-10 finish, where the Buckeyes missed a crucial game-tying 27-yard field goal.
In the title game, Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza provided a pivotal moment by connecting with Elijah Sarratt for a decisive touchdown in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers’ formidable defense stifled Ohio State’s offense, particularly pressuring quarterback Julian Sayin, who faced five sacks and a season-high 17 dropbacks under duress.
As Indiana gears up for the 2026 season, they will encounter a competitive slate, including home games against both Ohio State and USC, as well as tough road matchups against esteemed programs like Michigan, Nebraska, and Washington.
The buildup to these games promises an electrifying season ahead for Indiana and their loyal fan base, who can now own a piece of the Hoosiers’ remarkable journey with exclusive memorabilia celebrating their historic achievements.