IU football climbs in AP and coaches polls ahead of Big Ten opener against Illinois

Photos from IU football vs. Indiana State football on September 12, 2025.

IU football rose in the Associated Press top 25 poll and the US LBM coaches poll ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten opener against Illinois at Memorial Stadium.

On Saturday, Indiana improved to 3-0 with a 73-0 beatdown of Indiana State in Bloomington. The victory helped the program rise in both polls released early Sunday afternoon.

The Hoosiers rose three spots to No. 19 in the latest Associated Press top 25 poll.

Ohio State and Penn State remained No. 1 and No. 2. Oregon fell one spot to No. 6, Illinois remained at No. 9, Michigan moved up two spots to No. 21 and USC entered the poll at No. 25. Nebraska was the only Big Ten team listed in “others receiving votes.”

In the US LBM coaches poll, the Hoosiers rose two spots to No. 17.

Ohio State (No. 1), Penn State (No. 2) and Oregon (No. 5) all retained their ranking from last week while Illinois climbed one spot to No. 8.

Michigan moved up two spots to No. 20 while USC, Nebraska and Washington all received votes.

IU coach Curt Cignetti is on the US LBM Board of Coaches for the 2025 season.

Kickoff for Saturday’s Big Ten opener against Illinois is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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