Bloomington, Indiana – The Indiana Hoosiers football team continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a 38‑0 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The win moved the Hoosiers to 3‑0 overall and reinforced their status as a top‑ranked Big Ten contender.
Offensive firepower on display
Indiana’s ground game was the story of the night. Running back Turbo Richard carried the ball 15 times for 149 yards and a touchdown, leading a balanced attack that amassed 233 rushing yards. Lee Beebe contributed 50 yards on the ground and found the end zone twice, adding to the Hoosiers’ dominant performance.
Quarterback Josh Hoover was efficient through the air, completing 18 of 24 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. His poise in the pocket helped the Hoosiers build a comfortable 14‑0 lead at halftime and then pull away with a 17‑point third quarter.
Home field advantage continues
Coach Curt Cignetti celebrated his unbeaten record at Memorial Stadium, extending the Hoosiers’ home winning streak to 19 games over the past two seasons. The team now boasts a 17‑0 record at home under Cignetti’s leadership, a testament to the program’s consistency and the support of Bloomington fans.
Looking ahead
Indiana kicks off Big Ten play on Friday night at 8 p.m. with a home matchup against Northwestern, who entered the season 1‑0. The Hoosiers will look to carry their momentum into conference play and continue to vie for a top spot in the league.
Western Kentucky, now 0‑3, will host Mercyhurst on Saturday night at 7 p.m. as they seek to rebound from the loss.
Community impact
The victory adds to the excitement on campus and in the surrounding community, where Hoosier football remains a unifying tradition. Local businesses near the stadium reported increased traffic on game day, underscoring the economic boost that a winning program can bring to Bloomington.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
