IU and Purdue prepare for very different college football seasons
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Purdue football coach Barry Odom. Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
IU and Purdue football fans are heading into this season with the starkest split-screen their storied in-state rivalry has seen in years.
Why it matters: With one program protecting perfection and another pursuing measurable progress, there will be no easy weeks for either squad in what has arguably become college football's strongest conference.
What they're saying: "I mean, we don't run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything's earned, not given," IU coach Curt Cignetti said Thursday.
- "And when we fall short, we say, 'We fell short.' We don't cry a river, whine and complain," he said. "And that's why we're the best."
Zoom in: Cignetti told reporters at Big Ten Media Days he'll be "attacking complacency" as Indiana tries to become the first repeat national champion since the CFP expanded.
- The Hoosiers beat Miami 27-21 on Jan. 19 to finish 16-0 and claim the program's first national title in 139 years.
- The victory also gave the Big Ten three straight national titles won by three different programs. Take that, SEC.
State of play: Indiana's biggest offseason move was replacing Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with TCU's Josh Hoover, whom Cignetti called "a natural passer" with "an innate ability to play the position."
- The Hoosiers' offense also added Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh and Boston College running back Turbo Richard.
Purdue coach Barry Odom — who led the Boilermakers to a 2-10 record in his debut season — said they're "a completely different team" this year.
- He brought more than 50 new players, including more than 30 transfer portal additions.
- But Purdue is sticking with QB Ryan Browne and betting big on his growth after a 9-touchdown, 10-interception performance in 2025.
Plus: In a rare show of Boilermaker and Hoosier unity, Odom gave props to Cignetti, saying IU quickly going from worst to first "should give every player, every coach, every fan base hope, vision and belief that it can happen."
Between the lines: Odom may also be preparing to meet his next boss.
- Longtime Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski retires Dec. 31, and sources told ESPN on Tuesday that the university had come to terms with Rice athletic director Tommy McClelland.
By the numbers: In the latest BetMGM win total predictions, oddsmakers expect IU to win at least 10 games, and Purdue to win at least 3.
What's next: Purdue opens the season Sept. 4 at home vs. Indiana State, and Indiana starts by hosting North Texas on Sept. 5.