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Indiana shows no championship hangover in thorough Week 1 win
Curt Cignetti. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Indiana shows no championship hangover in thorough Week 1 win

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Sep 5, 2026 4:30 PM ET
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The Indiana Hoosiers didn't let last year's success get to their heads.

On Saturday, the defending national champions and Associated Press preseason No. 6 team in the country hit the ground running in a thorough 52-16 win over the North Texas Mean Green.

While by no means the stiffest competition — North Texas entered Saturday No. 91 in ESPN's Football Power Index — Indiana did what was needed for the program's largest Week 1 win under Cignetti. The 36-point margin of victory was the Hoosiers' biggest in an opener since defeating FCS Indiana State by 38, 73-35, in August 2013.

No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers rout North Texas Mean Green in 2026 season opener

Indiana had to replace a lot of talent from last year's squad this offseason, including 2025 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Former TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover passed his placement exam with flying colors, avoiding any turnovers after throwing a Big 12-high 13 interceptions a season ago. He finished his Indiana debut with more touchdowns than incompletions, going 13-of-16 for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Hoover even withstood a gnarly cut that left blood dripping down his chinstrap to finish a second-quarter touchdown drive.

Transfer wideout Nick Marsh had an overall quiet afternoon (two receptions, 17 yards) but capped Indiana's first possession with an incredible one-handed touchdown grab against tight coverage, providing a tantalizing glimpse into his abilities.

Charlie Becker, a returning member of last year's championship squad, established a strong connection with Hoover, too, finishing with four receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

Indiana scored touchdowns on its first three possessions and seven of nine drives overall while only punting once. 

The impressive performance wasn't only limited to the offense, either. Defensively, the Hoosiers had seven tackles for loss, one sack and an interception. On special teams, senior running back Lee Beebe Jr. began the game with a 67-yard kick return. Junior running back Turbo Richard added a 41-yard return, while senior wideout Tyler Morris had a 36-yard punt return.

It was a complete effort from Indiana, which won't be challenged in the regular season until hosting the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) on Oct. 17. By then, the Hoosiers could be an even more well-oiled machine.

Eric Smithling
X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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