IU football is favored by nearly six touchdowns in season opener against North Texas

IU football linebacker Isaiah Jones.

It comes as no surprise, but IU football is a heavy favorite in its season opener on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

The Hoosiers, ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press and coaches’ top 25 polls to begin the season, host North Texas at 12 p.m. ET on FOX.

The opener – along with every game this season in Bloomington – is sold out. As of Monday morning, the cheapest ticket at Vivid Seats for Saturday’s game is $75, including fees.

Indiana, which finished last season a perfect 16-0 and won the CFP national championship, is favored by 40.5 points against the Mean Green.

Bill Connelly’s SP+ projection is Indiana 47, North Texas 7.

North Texas finished last season 12-2 and 7-1 in the American Conference under coach Eric Morris, who left for Oklahoma State.

The Mean Green are now led by Neal Brown, who had previous head coaching stints at Troy and West Virginia. Last season, Brown served as the assistant to the head coach at Texas under Steve Sarkisian.

The Hoosiers are a perfect 15-0 at Memorial Stadium under Curt Cignetti, who is now in his third season in Bloomington.

Indiana’s average margin of victory at Memorial Stadium under Cignetti is 38.1 points. Cignetti is 27-2 overall as IU’s coach, including a 2025 Big Ten championship and CFP national championship.

The Hoosiers play their first four games of the 2026 season at home and have eight home games this season.

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