The defending national champion Hoosiers begin their title defense Saturday when they host the North Texas Mean Green for a noon ET kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
These two programs are heading in different directions entering this season, which is obvious with Kalshi making the Hoosiers a 40.5-point favorite over the Mean Green. Regardless, my favorite North Texas vs. Indiana prediction is the Hoosiers boat-racing the Mean Green in their season opener.
Check out all of our college football picks for the opening weekend.
TOP PICK
North Texas vs Indiana prediction: Indiana -40.5
After winning the national championship last year, the Indiana Hoosiers have the hottest program in college football under third-year head coach Curt Cignetti.
According to 247Sports.com, Indiana ranks eighth in the transfer portal rankings this offseason. The Hoosiers lost zero "portal starts" to FBS schools, per college football analyst Phil Steele.
Their biggest offseason acquisition was former TCU Horned Frogs QB Josh Hoover, who ranked second in the Big 12 in passing touchdowns (29) last season and third in passer rating. Hoover is a bigger transfer portal addition than 2025 Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza was at this time last year.
The North Texas Mean Green are another non-Power 4 program to be pillaged in the transfer portal. After finishing 12-2 last season, North Texas' now-former head coach, Eric Morris, accepted the Oklahoma State job and took a ton of players with him.
COVERS INTEL: In the Cignetti era (est. 2024), Indiana is 10-5 against the spread (ATS) as a home favorite with a +14.2 ATS margin. 
North Texas vs Indiana combo
When you have a team as good as the Hoosiers, the offense is competing with the defense. So, for every Indiana touchdown, its defense will be motivated to force a three-and-out so it doesn't look like the weaker side of the ball.
Also, if I'm sprinkling on a combo, I'd rather take a shot at the fatter payout unless the other option is too tightly correlated. That said, the Hoosiers ATS and the Under are +446, whereas Indiana and the Over have a +245 payout.
North Texas vs Indiana combo
- Indiana -40.5
- Under 56.5
North Texas vs Indiana odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: North Texas +40.5 (51%) | Indiana -40.5 (49%)
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 (51%) | Under 56.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: North Texas 2% | Indiana 99%
For the full slate of college football matchups, check out our college football odds board!
More Covers college football betting tools
North Texas vs Indiana weather
Temperatures in Bloomington, Indiana, on Saturday are forecast to be in the mid-80s, with a 13% chance of rain.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
North Texas vs Indiana trend to know
The Over is 7-2 in Indiana's last nine games as a home favorite. Find more college football betting trends for North Texas vs. Indiana.
How to watch North Texas vs Indiana
| Location | Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN |
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
North Texas vs Indiana latest injuries
Check out our college football injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
