Pro Football Focus ranks Indiana and Curt Cignetti’s 2025 football schedule among nation’s easiest

After delivering the best season in program history and a College Football Playoff berth in his first year, Curt Cignetti has Indiana trending up. Now, the Hoosiers are earning even more national recognition.

At least that’s how Pro Football Focus sees it.

They recently released its top 10 easiest schedules for the 2025 season, and Indiana made the list—coming in at No. 3. With one of the most favorable slates in the country, expectations are rising for another strong year under Cignetti.

The season kicks off with a promising four-game homestand. The first three games against Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State look very winnable.

The first real test of the season comes in Week 4, when Indiana hosts 10th-ranked Illinois. It’s a big early measuring stick for the Hoosiers. After that, things don’t get any easier. They head on the road for back-to-back games at Iowa and Oregon—two of the tougher places to play in the country.

After a much-needed bye week, Indiana gets two important home games: Michigan State and UCLA. 

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The Spartans are still rebuilding under Jonathan Smith, while UCLA is a bit of a wild card. With former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava now leading the offense, the Bruins have breakout potential—and that matchup could easily turn into a trap game.

Looking ahead to November, the schedule doesn't get easier. 

Indiana hits the road again in November, starting with a tricky matchup at Maryland. Depending on how the Terps are playing, that one could get interesting. Then comes a tough test at Penn State, where the Hoosiers will have to deal with one of the loudest environments in college football—especially if it’s a whiteout.

The final stretch includes a home game against always-tough Wisconsin, followed by a Friday night rivalry showdown at Purdue for the Old Oaken Bucket. That game could have big postseason implications if things go Indiana’s way.

All in all, the schedule breaks pretty nicely for the Hoosiers. 

They avoid both Michigan and Ohio State, open with four straight at home, and get a few key swing games in Bloomington. If Cignetti and company take care of business, there’s a real shot to keep the momentum going from last year’s breakout season.