Indiana hosts Old Dominion in a highly anticipated season opener as the Curt Cignetti era continues into year two on the Hoosiers’ sideline.
Fresh off their first College Football Playoff appearance, Indiana enters the season ranked No. 20 in the preseason AP poll. The 2025 campaign is being billed as the most anticipated Indiana football season of the 21st century, with a reloaded roster aiming to prove last year’s breakthrough run was no fluke.
Game information
Who: No. 20 Indiana (0-0) vs Old Dominion (0-0)
Where: Merchant Bank Field at Memorial Stadium
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 2:30 p.m. EST
TV: FS1 (Play-By-Play: Noah Reed, Analyst: Robert Smith)
Radio: Don Fischer (Play-By-Play), Buck Suhr (Analyst)
The line: Indiana -23.5
SP+ prediction: Indiana 40, Old Dominion 14 (95 percent chance of an IU win)
Meet the opponent
Old Dominion, a familiar Sun Belt foe to Curt Cignetti and James Madison transfers, has a history of competing with high-profile programs. The Monarchs finished 5-7 overall and 4-4 in conference last season under sixth-year head coach Ricky Rahne. Colton Joseph threw for more than 1,600 yards with 11 touchdown passes last year, though he will enter 2025 with an entirely new receiving corps. The Monarchs return one consistent target in Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, who had two receptions for 18 yards last season. ODU’s defense gave up 410.4 yards per game, ranking 102nd in the FBS.
Cignetti’s ties to Old Dominion go back to a 2023 primetime clash when his James Madison squad narrowly beat the Monarchs 30-27.
Injury update
There are no new injuries reported ahead of kickoff. The Big Ten availability report will be released two hours before kickoff at 12:30 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Storylines
Can Indiana start fast? Last year’s season opener against FIU saw the Hoosiers struggle to impose early control, delaying the knockout punch. With heightened expectations, a decisive start on Saturday is essential as critics and fans look for clear separation early in the season.
All the pressure sits with Indiana, while Old Dominion will be chipping away and aiming to knock off a Power Five program. Indiana has the chance to set a tone in the first three games of the year and demonstrate the depth and talent that sparked last season’s playoff run.
Fernando Mendoza’s anticipated debut
The Cal transfer is widely anticipated to take the field as Indiana’s starting quarterback, following a portal recruitment wave that reflected the staff’s confidence in him. Mendoza’s arrival has drawn credible comparisons to the breakthrough success of prior transfers under Cignetti. A mock draft projection from CBS recently labeled Mendoza as a potential first overall pick, underscoring the high expectations around his game.
Louis Moore’s return
Redshirt senior Louis Moore returns to Indiana after a year at Ole Miss and a bid for eligibility relief. The NCAA initially denied his eligibility, but he obtained a temporary restraining order that allows him to play in the opener. Moore brings experience to Indiana’s secondary, joining strong safety Amare Ferrell to bolster the back end.
Outlook
The offseason hype mirrors the optimism of 2021, but Indiana’s path differs in structure and context. Memorial Stadium has emphasized a chip-on-shoulder mentality since the December postseason loss, and the team is ready to translate offseason momentum into a strong start. Old Dominion will give its best effort, but Indiana’s depth and talent should translate into a strong opening performance.
Positive takeaway and broader view
If Indiana can open with precision on both sides of the ball, the program can set a confident tone for a season built on continuity and growth. Mendoza’s debut, Moore’s presence in the secondary, and a well-rounded supporting cast give Indiana multiple avenues to assert control from the first snap.
Summary
Indiana’s season opener against Old Dominion is framed as a statement game: a chance to showcase a high-expectation squad, debut a highly anticipated quarterback, and start the year with momentum aligned to a potential deep run. Expect Indiana to come out aggressive, establish tempo early, and demonstrate why the 2025 campaign is being hailed as a landmark season for the program.