Is it finally football season? You bet it is! The Indiana Hoosiers are kicking off their 2025 campaign at home against Old Dominion, and we’ve got everything you need to know before game day. From broadcast info to betting odds and weather, don’t miss a beat. Can Coach Cignetti’s squad start with a bang?
Anticipation is building in Bloomington as the Indiana Hoosiers football program prepares to kick off its 2025 season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Old Dominion Monarchs. Set for a 2:30 p.m. ET start this Saturday, this Week 1 contest at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium marks the beginning of what many hope will be another successful campaign for the **Indiana Hoosiers Football** team.
Under the dynamic leadership of coach Curt Cignetti, the 20th-ranked Hoosiers are eager to build upon an exceptional 11-2 record from the previous year, which famously culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance. The team’s impressive performance has set a high bar, and the focus is now on maintaining that momentum and establishing dominance from the very first game of the **NCAA Football 2025** season.
Conversely, the **Old Dominion Monarchs** arrive in Bloomington with a strong desire to turn their fortunes around after a challenging 5-7 campaign in which they frequently found themselves on the losing end of close encounters. Their resilience, particularly in six one-possession losses, suggests they are a team capable of surprising opponents and will be looking to make a statement against a ranked Power Four opponent.
Fans eager to catch all the action can tune into Fox Sports 1 for the live television broadcast, featuring Noah Reed on play-by-play and Robert Smith providing expert analysis. For those preferring radio coverage, the Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network will carry the game, with the familiar voices of Don Fischer, Buck Suhr, and John Herrick. Additionally, satellite radio listeners can find the broadcast on Sirius/Online: XM (113 or 197).
The betting lines for this intriguing College Football Preview have Indiana pegged as a significant 24.5-point favorite, underscoring the confidence in their abilities following their strong showing last season. The over/under for total points is set at 53.5, suggesting expectations for a relatively high-scoring affair. Indiana’s historical 11-2 overall and 8-1 Big Ten record further highlights their formidable presence.
While this Saturday marks the inaugural on-field clash between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Old Dominion Monarchs, Coach Curt Cignetti is no stranger to the Monarchs. During his tenure at James Madison, Cignetti led his former team against Old Dominion in both 2022 and 2023, securing victories in both matchups—a dominant 37-3 win in 2022 and a narrower 30-27 triumph in 2023. This familiarity could prove to be a strategic advantage.
Adding to the excitement, the weather forecast for kickoff predicts ideal conditions, with a sunny sky and a comfortable 76 degrees, accompanied by a 0% chance of rain. This promises a perfect setting for both teams to perform at their best and for fans to enjoy a quintessential college football Game Day Guide experience. The Hoosiers are determined to leverage their home-field advantage and avoid any upsets, understanding the mindset of teams aiming to knock off a higher-ranked opponent.
This opening weekend clash is more than just a single game; it’s a critical early test for the Indiana program to demonstrate its continued growth and championship aspirations. As the Hoosiers prepare to defend their ranking and begin their journey towards another potential College Football Playoff berth, every play against the Old Dominion Monarchs will be scrutinized, setting the tone for the challenging season ahead.
