Indiana Football Adds Multiple Nonconference Games Through 2030

Indiana football has finalized its non-conference schedule through 2030, adding home games against Howard University in 2026 and Miami (Ohio) in 2028, along with a matchup against Indiana State in 2030. These additions follow the cancellation of previous series with Virginia and Louisville as part of a strategic shift led by athletic director Scott Dolson to favor a softer non-conference slate aimed at maximizing postseason success within the Big Ten. Indiana will face a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent each season for the next six years, with no scheduled non-conference games against Power Four opponents until a 2030 road game at Notre Dame. The scheduling approach, which includes paying guarantees to opponents like Howard and Miami (Ohio), reflects an 'SEC scheduling philosophy' focused on securing meaningful conference games and postseason opportunities, a stance supported by Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti. The move has sparked debate nationally, but Indiana officials emphasize competitiveness in the latter part of the season and the importance of conference play. Howard is an HBCU competing in the MEAC, while Miami (Ohio) is a Mid-American Conference team, both bringing different competitive dynamics to Indiana's future schedules.