Paul Finebaum blasts Indiana’s schedule as ‘junior high’ competition
· Yahoo Sports
The college football season is quickly approaching, and soon a new season will usher in the same rich traditions. The defending champion Indiana Hoosiers will also begin their quest to repeat.
Indiana is coming off an exceptional run in which it took the college football world by storm. However, when the AP Top 25 Poll was released, Indiana didn’t crack the top five, drawing the ire of Hoosiers faithful. The defending national champions landed at No. 6, receiving eight first-place votes.
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Paul Finebaum, though, understands why they weren’t ranked higher. He even went as far as calling their nonconference schedule “junior high” on his ESPN show.
Paul Finebaum, radio and ESPN television personality, gets ready to speak on television near activities outside the Superdome, before of the College Football Playoff National Championship game in New Orleans Monday, January 13, 2020. Pregame Fans Clemson Lsu Football Cfp National Championship New Orleans Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)“I’m somewhat shocked about the outrage that Indiana fans have been expressing for only being sixth ,,, I mean, they’re the third-ranked team in their own league. I don’t know who you are supposed to displace to get rid of them. They still have a junior high nonconference schedule. Their conference schedule is far more difficult.” Finebaum said.
Are the defending champs underrated?
There is a legitimate argument that Indiana could be underrated entering the 2026 season. The Hoosiers return head coach Curt Cignetti and a coaching staff that includes defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, giving the program valuable continuity after its championship run.
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Indiana also has a roster built to compete again. While the Hoosiers face questions at quarterback, they return plenty of talent and enter the season with the confidence that comes from going 16-0 and winning a national championship. That experience could prove invaluable when the schedule gets tougher.
Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Football head coach Curt Cignetti speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The schedule is certainly stronger than Finebaum’s “junior high” label might suggest. Indiana opens with North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky, but the Big Ten portion quickly becomes much more demanding. The Hoosiers host number 1 Ohio State on October 17 before traveling to Michigan and later hosting number 14 USC. They also face number 17 Washington on the road.
Number 6 may seem low for the defending national champion, but Indiana will have plenty of opportunities to prove the voters wrong.
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