Indiana Football’s Perfect Season Leads to Top Seed in CFP
Indiana football just hit a milestone that, honestly, most folks never saw coming. They’ve locked up the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the 2025 season.
With a spotless 13-0 record, the Hoosiers punched their ticket to the Rose Bowl. They’ll face off against whoever wins the CFP matchup between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama.
That spot in the playoff comes right after their huge win over previously top-ranked Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. If you’re wondering what’s next or how to get in on the action, here’s a quick rundown.
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Indiana Hoosiers: A Season to Remember
It’s been a dream run for the Hoosiers, finishing 13-0. That perfect record didn’t just boost them to the top of the national rankings—it got them a playoff spot, too.
Beating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship? That was the cherry on top of an already wild season.
Key Highlights of the Season
- Unbeaten Record: The Hoosiers finished the regular season with a perfect 13-0 record.
- Big Ten Champions: Indiana clinched the Big Ten title by defeating Ohio State, who were previously ranked No. 1.
- Top Seed in CFP: Their impressive performance has earned them the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Upcoming Games: What to Expect
Next up, Indiana heads to the Rose Bowl. Mark your calendar for 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, out in Pasadena, California.
They’ll be waiting for the winner of Oklahoma vs. Alabama. This game isn’t just another bowl—it decides who gets to play for the national championship on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
CFP First Round and Quarterfinals
The first round kicks off Dec. 19-20. Here’s what’s on deck:
- No. 5 Oregon (11-1) vs. No. 12 James Madison (12-1)
- No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2) vs. No. 9 Alabama (10-3)
- No. 6 Ole Miss (11-1) vs. No. 11 Tulane (11-2)
- No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1) vs. No. 10 Miami (10-2)
Quarterfinals land on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Indiana gets the Oklahoma-Alabama winner.
The rest of the matchups look like this:
- No. 2 Ohio State (12-1) vs. Texas A&M-Miami winner
- No. 3 Georgia (12-1) vs. Ole Miss-Tulane winner
- No. 4 Texas Tech (12-1) vs. Oregon-James Madison winner
How to Watch and Attend the Games
All the games are on ESPN, so you can catch every snap from wherever you are. For those who want to go all-in, Indiana University’s got a three-night travel package to Southern California for fans.
It starts at $1,995, and you can add on a game ticket if you want. Not cheap, but for a shot at history? Maybe worth it.
Travel Package Details
The IU travel package includes:
- Three-night accommodation in Southern California
- Option to purchase a game ticket
- Exclusive IU fan events and activities
Celebrate IU’s Perfect Regular Season
Let’s be real—going undefeated isn’t something you see every year. The Hoosiers pulled it off with grit and a lot of heart.
If you’re a fan, now’s the time to show it.
Join the Celebration
Want to get involved? Here’s a few ways:
- Sign up for IndyStar’s Hoosiers newsletter
- Listen to the “Mind Your Banners” podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
- Watch the latest updates on IndyStar TV
Understanding the CFP Structure
The CFP pulls in 12 teams: five conference champs picked by the committee, plus the next seven highest-ranked schools. Top four teams? They get a first-round bye.
The rest play in the first round. Then it’s on to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finally, the big one—the national championship.
The Road to the Championship
The committee sets the top four teams in quarterfinals hosted by bowls, weighing things like history and rankings. Indiana, being No. 1, is headed to the Rose Bowl.
Once the bracket’s set, there’s no reshuffling. If teams from the same conference meet again, so be it. That’s just how it shakes out.
Conclusion
Indiana football’s journey to the College Football Playoff is, honestly, something fans could only dream about not too long ago. An unbeaten record and the No. 1 seed? That’s wild.
Whether you’re watching from your couch or somehow making the trip out to California, this season’s got a different kind of energy. Feels like every Hoosier fan is holding their breath just a little.
If you’re after more details or want to keep tabs on everything happening, check out IndyStar. There’s always something new popping up.
