Indiana Hoosiers Facing Potential Trap Game Against Nebraska

The Indiana Hoosiers are the reigning national champions, but in 2026, they aren’t looking as dominant as last season.

Indiana lost starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the NFL, but replaced him with Josh Hoover from TCU. Hoover has been alright, but the Hoosiers overall are a step back from last season.

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Despite being worse than last year, Indiana is 5-0 but hasn’t played any top teams. The Hoosiers do have to go on the road to play the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 17, which could make this week’s game tough.

Indiana will go on the road to play the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who aren’t a top-25-ranked team, but still are a tough out. Nebraska is 5-0 and has solid wins over Maryland and Michigan State.

Nebraska is also a tough place to play, as the crowd should be in it from the beginning, given that the Cornhuskers are facing the reigning champions.

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For Indiana, this game is very much a trap game, due to the fact that Indiana is supposed to win and Ohio State is up next.

The Buckeyes game is the biggest game on Indiana’s schedule, so there is some thought that the Hoosiers will look ahead to Nebraska and already start preparing for Ohio State.

If Indiana indeed overlooks Nebraska, it could pose some problems for the Hoosiers, as the Cornhuskers are still a solid opponent.

The Hoosiers have an easy schedule this year, as their only hard game is Ohio State, which makes this Nebraska game so difficult, as there’s a real chance they overlook the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Pose Problems for Indiana Hoosiers

Not only could Indiana be overlooking Nebraska due to their game against Ohio State, but the Cornhuskers do also present some problems.

Nebraska has Anthony Colendrea at quarterback who transferred from Virginia. Colendrea has been solid, and Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti knows he presents a lot of problems for Indiana.

“He’s savvy, first of all,” Cignetti said on Monday. “And I think he sees the field real well, and very mobile and elusive too. So, if there’s nothing there, he has the ability to create plays with his arm and his legs. …

“We’ve played guys that are mobile, can throw it. A guy that can spin it pretty good and process and get it where it’s gotta be accurately, as quickly as possible, on time, on rhythm. And can also extend plays and make plays with his legs — that’s a real weapon for the offense.”

The Hoosiers’ defense will be challenged for the first real team against Nebraska, which will be a good test for Ohio State.

For now, this Saturday’s game will be a real test to see if the Hoosiers are legit title contenders or not.

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This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Oct 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.