Staff Picks: Predicting Indiana’s Week 1 clash with Old Dominion

The wait is finally over. Indiana football kicks off its 2025 season this Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. ET matchup against Old Dominion, and with it comes the return of a familiar tradition at TheHoosier.com.

Each week throughout the season, our staff will break down the upcoming matchup and make their predictions on how things will play out. From big-picture storylines to score forecasts, our weekly picks aim to give fans a snapshot of expectations heading into game day.

This week, the focus is squarely on the Hoosiers’ opener — a chance to set the tone for the season against a Monarchs team looking to spoil the debut.

Zach’s Pick

Thinking back to 2021, Indiana opened the season by getting the brakes beat off them in Iowa City. And sure, there are some parallels between that disappointing team and this year’s Hoosiers. But this 2025 squad isn’t a rerun of that group. Curt Cignetti won’t let his team take Old Dominion lightly. Is ODU the toughest non-conference matchup Indiana has faced so far under Cignetti? Probably. But the Hoosiers also look deeper and more talented than they did a year ago. That talent gap should show itself on opening night, and I expect IU to control this game from the jump.

Prediction: Indiana 45, Old Dominion 10

Alec’s Pick

Indiana is back on the field and will approach this year with a significant chip on its shoulder despite a CFP appearance in 2024. The best way to prove doubters wrong is to keep winning, and prove last year wasn’t a fluke like some of the national media believe. Indiana struggled in the season opener last season, lacking the big play ability it showed throughout most of Big Ten play. Despite ODU’s ability to keep P4 games close, it would seem this Indiana group is prepared both mentally and physically. The talent is there and so is the depth for the Hoosiers. There will likely be a bit of rust in the beginning, but this team is more talented than last year, and I don’t believe there will be any sort of 2024 or fall camp ‘hangover.’ The Hoosiers roll in this one.

Prediction: Indiana 41, Old Dominion 13

Colin’s Pick

First off, I have to mention how nice it is to be making game picks again. Football is back people, and I couldn’t be more excited. With that out of the way, I think it’s fairly obvious that Indiana is expected to win this one, and I do have the Hoosiers winning, but the question lies in what the margin of victory will be. Curt Cignetti had made sure to mention that he views ODU as a strong group of five programs, but IU should make quick work of the Monarchs. Indiana has the advantage in pretty much every single facet of the game, and I think the Hoosiers’ physicality on the lines will be the biggest difference. I expect IU to pound the run early and often, and while Fernando Mendoza will be able to showcase his skills throughout the season, the run game should be the main focus on Saturday. Colton Joseph certainly presents a threat as ODU’s quarterback, but Indiana’s experience and strength on the defensive side will overwhelm the second-year starter and lead the Hoosiers to a week one victory.

Prediction: Indiana 34, Old Dominion 10

Kyler’s Pick

Coach Cignetti has talked a bit about how OD will be a tougher team to beat than many people think and I believe it — to an extent. Based off the track record recently, OD has challenged Power Conference teams and put up a fight, only to eventually come up short. With it being Week 1, every college team is going to have some hiccups and Indiana is no exception that. I feel as though OD will put up a fight in the first half before the Hoosiers pull away in the second half.

Prediction: Indiana 42, Old Dominion 10

Drew’s Pick

In 2024 Indiana had no trouble against the lesser opponents on the schedule as they cruised to blowout wins. While Old Dominion gave South Carolina a scare in their opener last season, I think Indiana will have too much firepower on both sides for the Monarchs.

Prediction: Indiana 38, Old Dominion 6

Coach Griff’s Pick

Indiana comes into Saturday’s matchup with Old Dominion looking to set the tone early, and I like the Hoosiers to control this one 31–17. Running back Roman Hemby is primed for a breakout performance, giving Indiana balance and explosiveness on the ground, while quarterback Fernando Mendoza will show why NFL scouts have circled his name as a rising prospect with his poise and ability to stretch the field. Old Dominion has some fight and will find ways to put points on the board, but the Hoosiers’ overall talent and depth should wear them down in the second half, securing a solid season-opening win.

Prediction: Indiana 31, Old Dominion 17

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