The analytics aren't as convinced the Hoosiers are extremely heavy favorites for the national championship - at least not ESPN's FPI.

The chemistry between Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza and his receivers is driving the program's run through the CFP.

The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0) added a pair of commitments on defense Sunday, Jan. 11 — Tulsa defensive tackle Joe Hjelle and Montana State cornerback Carson Williams — along Hawaii punter Billy Gowers. They also lost a member of the secondary, Jah Jah Boyd, over the weekend.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/indiana as Indiana Football Starting DB Inks Contract to Return in 2026. BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana football will get back a key piece to its defensive puzzle in 2026.

Indiana football still has plenty of room to add players for next season. Here's a position-by-position look at the Hoosiers

Indiana football continues building out its wide receivers room ahead of the 2026 season.

From an eligibility standpoint, starters D'Angelo Ponds and Jamari Sharpe could return to Indiana for the 2026 season and make cornerback a real position of strength. But Indiana's activity in the transfer portal suggests it could be bracing for turnover.