Much has been made of Indiana football’s less-than-impressive nonconference schedules — especially after the Hoosiers’ two-game series with Notre Dame was canceled.

The programs were scheduled to play on their respective campuses in 2030 and 2031.

Notre Dame turned around and used those newly created open dates to restore its series with USC. But by taking the Irish off their future schedules, the Hoosiers don’t have a Power Four opponent outside of the Big Ten scheduled over the next six seasons. IU still has open dates in 2030-2032 it could add to.

Never one to shy away from a sharp quip, IU coach Curt Cignetti was asked about the series cancellation on an appearance on the Big Ten Network on Friday, Aug. 14.

“I’d like to play Notre Dame,” Cignetti said. “They ought to come to our place twice, and we’ll go there once, since they’re not in a conference.”

According to the South Bend Tribune — part of the USA TODAY Network — the ND-IU series was called off at the request of Indiana.

In addition to games with USC in 2030-2033, the Irish have games scheduled against Michigan in 2033 and 2034, so adding a third Big Ten game would seem unlikely.

The Hoosiers last played Notre Dame in the 2024 College Football Playoff, a 27-17 Irish win in South Bend. Prior to that, the two in-state schools had met just once since 1958 (a 1991 ND win).

Indiana football future schedules nonconference opponents

2026

• Sept. 5: North Texas
• Sept. 12: Howard
• Sept. 19: Western Kentucky

2027

• Sept. 4: Kennesaw State
• Sept. 11: Indiana State
• Sept. 18: UMass

2028

• Sept. 2: Austin Peay
• Sept. 9: Eastern Michigan
• Sept. 16: Miami (Ohio)

2029

• Sept. 1: Ball State
• Sept. 8: Eastern Illinois
• Sept. 15: Western Kentucky

2030

• Sept. 6: Indiana State
• Sept. 14: Delaware

2032

• Sept. 18: at UConn