Indiana’s future out-of-conference schedule has turned into the source of scorn.
The backlash peaked after the recent cancellation of the Hoosiers’ highly anticipated 2030–2031 home-and-home series against Notre Dame.
Indiana’s future non-conference schedules, with Notre Dame coming off in ’30 and ’31. pic.twitter.com/mLknOwv9gi
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) August 3, 2026
This change enabled the Fighting Irish to shift focus and rekindle their historic rivalry with USC.
Since the cancellation of that high-profile game, Indiana is going a long stretch of regular seasons without playing non-conference teams from the SEC, Big 12, ACC, or major independents.
The university has faced widespread national scrutiny and criticism for lacking any Power Four opponents in future schedules.
Curt Cignetti talks like college football’s alpha. So why won’t he schedule like one?
Indiana has no Power Four opponent from outside the Big Ten on its future regular-season schedules after the Notre Dame series was canceled.
Column for @CBSSportsCFB ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/GVe7HBAVAr
— Cody Nagel (@CodyNagel247) August 3, 2026
