Northwestern is Indiana's first major 2026 test

Indiana enters Friday's Big Ten opener after consecutive shutouts and is ranked No. 5 in the AP poll and No. 4 in the coaches' poll, despite slipping in the AP after the Western Kentucky win. Northwestern's strong Colorado result, Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly's offense add opponent context, while the game will test Indiana's offense, turnover production and defensive depth. Cignetti's game-week comments also frame quarterback execution and shared responsibility as key issues.