Indiana Football Game Day: What to Watch as the Hoosiers Open Against North Texas
Game day has finally arrived in Bloomington.
After an offseason spent celebrating a national championship, Indiana Football begins a new chapter today when North Texas visits Memorial Stadium for a noon kickoff.
For Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers, the challenge isn’t simply winning a game in which Indiana enters as a substantial favorite. It’s showing that the characteristics that produced a championship — preparation, discipline, physicality and relentless execution — have carried over into 2026.
The Unknown Is Indiana’s First Challenge
North Texas presents an unusual Week 1 preparation.
New head coach Neal Brown brings a rebuilt roster and new systems to Bloomington, meaning Indiana has limited current film to study. That makes the opening possessions particularly important.
The Hoosiers don’t have to correctly anticipate everything North Texas will do. They need to recognize it, communicate it and adjust to it faster than the Mean Green.
That’s one of the first things I’ll be watching.
Josh Hoover Takes the Controls
Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover makes his debut running Mike Shanahan’s offense.
Don’t judge Hoover simply by passing yards or touchdowns. Watch his command of the offense: protection checks, pre-snap recognition, decision-making, accuracy and his ability to keep Indiana ahead of the chains.
North Texas’ secondary also provides an intriguing matchup. One player to watch is cornerback Peyton Taylor, a transfer from Division II Emporia State. Don’t be surprised if Indiana identifies that matchup and tests Taylor early.
Tayven Jackson Returns to Bloomington
The other quarterback provides one of today’s best storylines.
Former Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson returns to Memorial Stadium as the starter for North Texas.
Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ objective should be making Jackson process information after the snap. If the Hoosiers can generate pressure with their defensive front without consistently bringing additional rushers, Haines can disguise coverages and make Jackson work for every completion.
North Texas running back Jahiem White is another player Indiana must control. Allowing White to establish the running game would give Jackson manageable down-and-distance situations and help North Texas shorten the game.
Coach Griff’s Five Keys
Indiana needs to start fast, own first down, protect the football, eliminate explosive plays and adjust faster than North Texas.
Most importantly, don’t give a heavy underdog reasons to believe it can hang around.
I expect there could be a short feeling-out period as Indiana determines exactly what Brown and North Texas intend to do. From there, the Hoosiers’ talent, depth and ability to adjust should begin creating separation.
Coach Griff’s Prediction
Indiana 32, North Texas 10
Today isn’t about proving Indiana can win a national championship.
The Hoosiers already did that.
Today we begin finding out whether this team possesses the qualities necessary to do it again.
Fast. Physical. Relentless.
Join me at 10:00 AM ET for the Hoosier Football Tailgate Pregame Primer, two hours before Indiana and North Texas kick off at Memorial Stadium.
