Josh Hoover earns high grade negating areas Indiana football needs to clean up in win

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football beat North Texas 52-16 to open the 2026 season on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Outside a strong debut for quarterback Josh Hoover, it wasn't the prettiest of victories, but the No. 6 Hoosiers still managed to pull away in the second half and win comfortably.

Here's a report card for Saturday's win:

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Josh Hoover mastering IU passing attack

Offense: B

The running game looked stuck in neutral, but that didn't matter with Hoover throwing dimes all game long. He had an impressive debut, and did a nice job of taking advantage of his various weapons. Indiana had seven players with at least one catch, including a tight end and running back. The early signs of chemistry he showed with Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh were encouraging as well.

Back to school for Indiana football defense

Defense: C-

The defense's film review session with Bryant Haines in the coming days won't be pretty. Indiana has a lot to clean up — the tackling wasn't good — and players will definitely hear about North Texas converting nearly half of its third down attempts. The Mean Green even converted a third-and-23 to extend a drive late in the third quarter.

The Hoosiers do get credit for twice holding North Texas to field goals in the red zone and it's worth noting both their starting corners were knocked out of the game well before halftime.

Career kick for Nico Radicic helps IU football special teams

Special teams: A

Nico Radicic set a career-high with a 49-yard field goal, and IU had a pair of long kickoff returns in the first half that set up easy touchdown drives. The Hoosiers special teams units have often been an overlooked part of IU’s success over the last two seasons, but the amount of winning plays they make every game adds up. Radicic boosting his range in the offseason will pay dividends throughout the season.

Josh Hoover stars in first game for Indiana football

Game MVP: Josh Hoover

With the shadow of Fernando Mendoza looming large, the shot of a bloodied Hoover throwing a touchdown pass to Becker was an important moment. This is now his offense, and the toughness he put on display for his teammates and fans showed he's up to the challenge.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Josh Hoover earns high grade negating areas Indiana football needs to clean up in win

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