Indiana Receives National Recognition After Dominant Win Over UCLA

Photo byJack Ankony

The Indiana Hoosiers are turning heads nationwide after a decisive 42-13 victory against UCLA, garnering 13 votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll. Although Indiana didn’t break into the rankings, the Hoosiers' performance has earned them the No. 34 spot in the nation—an encouraging sign as they continue their undefeated start under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti.

Indiana, now 3-0, has not appeared in the AP Top 25 since being ranked No. 17 in the 2021 preseason poll. That ranking quickly vanished after a rough season opener against Iowa, and the Hoosiers haven't seen the Top 25 since, enduring a tough stretch with a 7-17 record over the past two seasons. However, this season seems different. Indiana’s comprehensive win over UCLA, where quarterback Kurtis Rourke threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns with no turnovers, has sparked optimism.

Indiana’s defense was equally impressive, holding UCLA to just 283 yards and forcing two turnovers. The team’s rise is not going unnoticed as they prepare for future battles against three ranked opponents—No. 3 Ohio State, No. 18 Michigan, and No. 22 Nebraska. Indiana’s upcoming showdown with Nebraska on October 19 could mark their first clash with a ranked opponent this season, a pivotal moment that will test their momentum.

The Hoosiers' next challenge will come on November 9 when they host Michigan, followed by a November 23 visit to Ohio State. The Buckeyes and Wolverines are perennial powerhouses, but Indiana’s newfound confidence under Coach Cignetti could set the stage for a competitive season ahead.

AP Top 25 Poll (Sept. 16):

1. Texas (3-0)
2. Georgia (3-0)
3. Ohio State (2-0)
4. Alabama (3-0)
5. Ole Miss (3-0)
6. Tennessee (3-0)
7. Missouri (3-0)
8. Miami (FL) (3-0)
9. Oregon (3-0)
10. Penn State (2-0)
    ...
11. Nebraska (3-0)
12. Northern Illinois (2-0)
13. Illinois (3-0)
14. Texas A&M (2-1)

Others Receiving Votes: Memphis (77), Boise State (62), Syracuse (62), UNLV (54), Indiana (13), Iowa (15), Arizona (15), California (11).

Indiana’s resurgence under Coach Cignetti has captivated fans and voters alike, as they look to keep their momentum rolling through the rest of the season.