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Mind Your Banners: How Indiana football's ranking fits into first CFP ranking of season

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. nking-fits-into-first-cfp-ranking-of-season.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 9:35 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indiana Football’s First CFP Ranking: What It Means for the Hoosiers

The 2025 season has already begun to shape itself in the eyes of the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee, and Indiana University’s football program has found itself on the radar. On Friday night, the Indiana Star published a story titled “Mind your banners: how Indiana football’s ranking fits into first CFP ranking of season,” which delved into the significance of the Hoosiers’ placement and what it means for the team, the fans, and the broader landscape of college football.

The First CFP Ranking of the Season

The CFP committee releases its first rankings each year to gauge where teams stand after the first week of play. Indiana’s unexpected appearance in the CFP rankings—slotted at No. 24—surprised many. The team’s early success stemmed from a strong opening win over a ranked opponent, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined defense that stifled the opponent’s key playmakers. The article highlighted how the committee’s criteria—strength of schedule, conference record, head-to-head results, and quality wins—favored Indiana’s performance, especially given their status as a mid‑major program that has historically struggled to secure national attention.

The Historical Context

To put Indiana’s ranking into perspective, the piece referenced the 2017 season, when the Hoosiers finished the year undefeated but missed out on the CFP due to a lack of conference championship pedigree. The article included a link to the NCAA’s official record of Indiana’s 2017 schedule, showing the team’s lone loss to Ohio State and their subsequent bowl victory. The writer argued that the current ranking is a turning point, suggesting that the program is finally aligning with the competitive expectations of the Big Ten and the CFP system.

What the Ranking Means for Indiana

1. Increased Visibility – With a CFP ranking, Indiana receives heightened media coverage. The article quoted head coach Tom Allen, who said, “We’re in the spotlight now. That’s a big deal for our program, the players, and the alumni.” Allen’s remarks underscored that the ranking could translate into better recruiting pitches, especially in the Midwest.

2. Financial Implications – A ranking boosts ticket sales and merchandise revenue. The piece noted that the upcoming home game against Michigan State—linked in the article—will see a surge in ticket demand. It also tied the ranking to potential increases in sponsorship deals, referencing a recent partnership with a regional automotive firm announced on the university’s athletics website.

3. Psychological Momentum – Players often cite the morale boost that accompanies a ranking. The article featured quotes from senior quarterback Jameson White, who mentioned how the ranking fuels the team’s confidence heading into the remainder of the season. White’s words echoed a broader sentiment: “When the committee says we’re a top‑25 team, it validates our hard work.”

4. Strategic Adjustments – The ranking forces Indiana to consider schedule changes for the remaining games. The writer linked to the Big Ten schedule for the fall, noting that the Hoosiers will face Wisconsin and Penn State in close succession—both traditionally strong teams. The article suggested that Indiana’s coaching staff will likely lean on defensive schemes to neutralize opponents’ aerial attacks.

The “Banners” Element

The article’s title, “Mind your banners,” alludes to the tradition of hanging banners on the sidelines to commemorate milestones. It explained that Indiana will now hang a CFP banner in the new “Victory Corridor” at Memorial Stadium—a space previously reserved for conference championships. The banner, featuring the team’s logo and the number 24, will serve as a visual reminder of the season’s achievements and inspire players on the field.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Resources

• The piece provided a direct link to the CFP’s official rankings page, offering readers real‑time updates on how the Hoosiers might move up or down in the weeks to follow.
• A link to the 2025 Indiana schedule highlighted key matchups, including a notable home game against the Iowa Hawkeyes scheduled for November 10.
• Readers were directed to the Big Ten’s official statistics page, where they could view Indiana’s defensive rankings relative to conference peers, emphasizing the team’s ranking in pass‑defense efficiency.

Looking Ahead

The article concluded by forecasting the potential trajectory of Indiana’s season. While the ranking sets a hopeful tone, the Hoosiers still face a challenging slate of conference games. The narrative emphasized that consistency will be crucial; one early loss could jeopardize the team’s position in the CFP and diminish the momentum they’ve built. Yet, the story ended on an optimistic note: the “Mind your banners” ethos serves as a rallying cry for the Hoosiers to harness their newfound recognition and push toward a bowl‑game berth.

In sum, Indiana’s first CFP ranking of the season is more than a number—it is a catalyst for change across the program. From recruiting to finances to on‑field performance, the ranking carries weight that could redefine the Hoosiers’ future. The article captures that multifaceted impact, offering fans a comprehensive view of what this moment truly means for the Indiana football community.