In front of a packed Memorial Stadium crowd, Indiana kicked off its 2026 season with a statement win. Freshman quarterback Josh Hoover completed 13 of 16 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns, including a 15‑yard strike on his very first snap. He threw with poise despite a brief moment when blood covered his face mask, and he finished with zero turnovers.
Hoover stepped into the role vacated by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, and his performance gave Hoosiers fans plenty to celebrate. “I thought Josh was sharp and our receivers did a nice job of separating and were making some blocks downfield,” said two‑time AP Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti. “He made a significant stride in fall camp and played with a lot of confidence today.”
Key contributors
Running back Turbo Richard, a transfer from Boston College, added two rushing touchdowns on 15 carries for 58 yards and also caught a 38‑yard pass. Wide receiver Charlie Becker hauled in four receptions for 64 yards and two scores, while Nick Marsh and Davion Chandler each caught a touchdown pass.
North Texas quarterback Tayven Jackson threw for 192 yards and one interception, completing 22 of 28 attempts, and added 22 rushing yards. He left the second half briefly with cramps, but returned to finish the game.
Streaks and records
The win extended Indiana’s Football Bowl Subdivision longest active winning streak to 17 games and its home winning streak to 16, the longest in the FBS. The Hoosiers led 24‑6 at halftime and widened the gap early in the second half with a 35‑yard touchdown pass to Becker, making it 31‑13.
Coaches’ takeaways
While the offense looked explosive, Cignetti noted concerns about penalties, the rushing attack and defensive stops that need work before the next game. North Texas coach Neal Brown praised his team’s effort, saying the Mean Green kept Indiana off the field for much of the game but fell short in the final minutes.
Both teams will look to improve as the season progresses. Indiana hosts Howard next Saturday, while North Texas opens its home slate against UNLV.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
