Episode Details

Indiana Football opens the 2026 season against North Texas as a massive favorite — but could this actually be a trap game for Curt Cignetti and the defending national champions?

On today's Locked On Hoosiers, Jacob Goins explains why the uncertainty surrounding North Texas makes the Mean Green an intriguing Week 1 opponent. With a new coaching staff, a dramatically rebuilt roster and former Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson on the other side, the Hoosiers have plenty to prepare for before kickoff.

We also dive into ESPN's look inside Curt Cignetti's unusual Indiana practice philosophy. Why do the Hoosiers practice for roughly 90 minutes while other programs spend significantly longer at the facility — and how has that approach helped create one of college football's most efficient programs?

Finally, how quickly could Indiana climb from No. 6 to No. 1 in the country? We look at Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas and what would need to happen for the Hoosiers to reach the top of the rankings.

Topics include:
Indiana Football vs. North Texas
Curt Cignetti
Josh Hoover
Tayven Jackson
Indiana's Week 1 matchup
Indiana practice philosophy
ESPN's look inside IU Football
College football rankings
Indiana's path to No. 1
2026 Indiana Football

Subscribe to Locked On Hoosiers for daily coverage of Indiana Football and Indiana Basketball.

• 00:00 Indiana vs North Texas concerns
• 02:03 Uncertainty about North Texas
• 03:10 Scouting North Texas challenges
• 04:18 Defending Tayven Jackson strategies
• 06:05 Josh Hoover under pressure
• 06:37 Potential trap game
• 08:08 North Texas national attention
• 08:51 Indiana practice routines
• 12:00 Cignetti’s practice philosophy
• 13:39 Practice time as recruiting tool
• 16:28 Cignetti’s coaching style
• 18:13 Unique Indiana efficiency
• 22:26 Indiana’s ranking potential
• 23:07 Preseason poll positions
• 23:40 Climbing to number one
• 25:11 Top teams’ schedules
• 26:11 Playoff and championship implications
• 27:16 Closing and announcements

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