League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Indiana football drops to No. 9 in CFP rankings before USC matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 11, 2026, 2:53 AM

Last updated Nov 11, 2026

Indiana football drops to No. 9 in CFP rankings before USC matchup

Summary

Indiana football fell five spots to No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings prior to their game against No. 18 USC. The Hoosiers' (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) ranking was affected by an off week coinciding with poor performances from past opponents, leading to a decrease in their strength of schedule to No. 42 in the FBS. Indiana is set to face USC (7-2, 4-2) this weekend; the teams haven’t played since 1982, and Indiana holds a 0-4 all-time record against USC. A quality win could enhance their playoff positioning as they aim to avoid a first-round matchup in the upcoming playoffs, where they may face No. 8 Tennessee if they remain outside the top four by Selection Sunday.

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By the Numbers

•Indiana is currently ranked No. 9 in the CFP standings.
•They drop five spots following their off week and poor opponent showings.
•The Hoosiers face No. 18 USC this weekend.
•Indiana is 0-4 historically against USC.
•Their strength of schedule is now ranked No. 42 in the FBS.

Latest Updates

3:52 AMYahoo Sports — Indiana football fell in CFP rankings ahead of big game vs USC
2:53 AMYahoo Sports — Where did Indiana football land in CFP rankings ahead of USC matchup

What they're saying

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The idle week did not help the Hoosiers in their metrics, and neither did their Big Ten opponents who did play. Here's where things stand.
— Yahoo Sports