Skip to main content
Indiana

Indiana Football Game Preview: Old Dominion – key question, injury report, how to watch

6I5A5606by: Drew Rosenberg08/29/25drew_rosenberg2
Syndication: The Herald-Times
Head Coach Curt Cignetti at Indiana University football practice on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. © Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Week one of the college football season is finally here, and Indiana opens the 2025 season with Old Dominion coming to Bloomington.

Old Dominion is coming off a 5-7 season in which they lost six one-score games, including their opener at South Carolina, 23-19. Head coach Ricky Rahne aims to lead the Monarchs to their first winning season since taking over the program in 2020.

No. 20 Indiana comes into the season with sky-high expectations as transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to lead the Hoosiers back to the College Football Playoff.

With the season opener finally here, Curt Cignetti and Indiana will be looking to set the tone for the 2025 season against Old Dominion.

Below is the full preview ahead of Saturday’s season opener.

Opposing Coach Q&A: Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne previews Week 1 matchup with Indiana

Key Question

How does the Fernando Mendoza led passing attack look?

While many have anointed Mendoza as a potential star, he has yet to play a game for Indiana.

Curt Cignetti’s system has churned out talented quarterbacks year after year, and Mendoza could be the most talented of them all.

We all see the talent Mendoza possesses, but how has the chemistry developed between him and the rest of the offense?

Last year, Kurtis Rourke came out of the gate a bit slow, throwing for just 180 yards and a touchdown while completing 15-24 passes in the opener against FIU.

Rourke and the passing attack quickly improved each week, but with Indiana’s 2025 schedule, Mendoza will have to be better early in the season.

The Hoosiers face a brutal three-game stretch to open Big Ten play, and Indiana will need Mendoza in top form if they are going to survive the gauntlet against Illinois, Iowa, and Oregon.

With an improved offensive line and talented wide receivers like Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. on the outside, the ceiling for the Hoosiers’ passing game is extremely high for this season.

Week one against a non-power four opponent will be the perfect opportunity for Mendoza and Indiana to showcase their talent and what the passing attack will look like in 2025.

SEE ALSO: Judge extends injunction in Louis Moore’s eligibility battle with NCAA

Matchup History

This is the first time Indiana football and Old Dominion will face off in college football.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti faced Ricky Rahne and his Old Dominion team twice during his time with James Madison and won both matchups.

RELATED: Hoosier Hot Takes: 3 Bold Predictions for Indiana Football in 2025

Injury Updates

Offensive lineman Drew Evans who missed the end of the 2024 season due to an achilles injury was nearly a full participant for most of fall camp and is expected to be ready to go for week one.

Michigan transfer wide receiver Tyler Morris suffered a non-contact knee injury in spring camp that will cause him to miss the entire 2025 season.

SEE ALSO: ‘I’m pleased with where we’re at’: Indiana football enters week one feeling ‘really good’ about health of roster

Quick Hitters

Who?  Old Dominion (0-0) vs #20 Indiana (0-0)

When?  Saturday, Aug. 30 | 2:30 p.m. ET

Where?  Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Indiana)

TV: FS1

Radio:  Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread:  Indiana Football is a 23.5-point favorite and the over/under is set at 54.5 points per BetMGM.

Not yet a member of TheHoosier?  Join our community for Just $1 for your first week and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership. Join here!

Use the code “IND20” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off for all new customers through the end of this week. Rhoback — Best Fit, Best Feel.

You may also like