Brandon Walker supports Indiana's chances in 2026 college football season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 6:45 PM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Brandon Walker voiced strong support for the Indiana Hoosiers, the defending national champions, as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 season. Despite being ranked No. 6 in the preseason AP Poll and not receiving much attention from analysts, Walker argues that Indiana has mastered the current of college football through effective use of the transfer portal and continuity in coaching. He highlighted the return of 90 percent of last season's defense and the acquisition of quarterback Josh Hoover as key factors that could enable the Hoosiers to contend for another title. Indiana's successful run in 2025, characterized by an unexpected undefeated season, raises questions about the media's skepticism this year.
- •Indiana Hoosiers finished the 2025 season as undefeated national champions.
- •The team is ranked No. 6 in the 2026 preseason AP Poll with few first-place votes.
- •Walker believes Indiana has adapted well to college football's current era.
- •Josh Hoover replaced Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback.
- •90 percent of last season's defense returns for the upcoming season.
- 6:45 PMYahoo Sports — Brandon Walker warns against counting out Indiana, says Hoosiers have ‘figured out this era of college football’
"The Indiana Hoosiers surprised a lot of pundits and analysts last season when they ran the table to become the undefeated national champions despite a general lack of blue-chip talent. Now, heading into the 2026 season, the Hoosiers still aren’t getting a lot of love even as the defending national champs, and Brandon Walker of…
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