The defending national champion No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers will begin conference play Friday night when they host the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be carried on Fox.
How to watch and stream
Television coverage is on Fox. Fans without traditional cable have several streaming options that carry the network, including services that offer free trials or introductory discounts for new customers.
- Fubo — includes Fox; new subscribers can access a free trial in many markets.
- DirecTV Stream — carries Fox and offers promotional pricing for first-time customers.
- Sling — carries Fox in select markets via local-channel add-ons.
Check each provider for local availability and trial eligibility before game time. Local channel blackouts and market restrictions may affect streaming access for some viewers.
Game details
| Matchup | When | Where | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern (2-0) vs. No. 5 Indiana (3-0) | Friday, Sept. 25 — 8 p.m. ET | Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Ind. | Fox |
Where both teams stand
Indiana enters the Big Ten slate unbeaten at 3-0, having outscored nonconference opponents by a wide margin. Last week the Hoosiers posted a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky, paced by quarterback Josh Hoover, who threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns in that game. Running back Lee Beebe Jr. added two rushing touchdowns as Indiana blanked WKU.
Northwestern comes to Bloomington at 2-0 after last week’s 41-7 victory over Colorado. Quarterback Aidan Chiles completed passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns against the Buffaloes, including connections with receiver Joseph Himon II. Friday marks Northwestern’s first game this season against a ranked opponent.
What to watch
The matchup presents several immediate storylines:
- Can Northwestern’s offense sustain production against a Hoosiers defense that has dominated early opponents?
- Will Indiana’s offense, led by Hoover and supplemented by Beebe’s ground game, maintain the scoring rhythm it showed in nonconference play?
- How will special teams and turnovers factor into a conference opener where early momentum can shape the season?
Indiana’s first three opponents — North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky — yielded a combined 145-16 scoreline in the Hoosiers’ favor, a sample that has fueled national attention and rankings. Northwestern’s two wins, including a convincing victory over Colorado, suggest the Wildcats are entering Bloomington with confidence but facing a step up in competition.
Practical information for fans
Fans attending the game should anticipate robust attendance and increased security measures typical of Big Ten conference openers. For those tuning in from home, verify local Fox channel listings and test streaming services ahead of kickoff to avoid last-minute technical issues. If using a trial subscription, be aware of any automatic renewal terms.
Expect pregame coverage and analysis on Fox beginning in the hours before kickoff, where injury reports, late roster changes and weather conditions will be updated. With the Hoosiers carrying a top-five ranking into the game, national broadcasters and studio shows will likely devote additional attention to Bloomington through the evening.
This game represents a significant step for both teams: Indiana aims to begin Big Ten play without interruption to its early-season momentum, while Northwestern looks to make an early statement in conference competition. Fans in Bloomington and across Indiana will have a clear eye on how the Hoosiers respond when the quality of opponents ramps up.
Coverage and viewing options can change quickly; check local listings and your streaming provider for the most current access information before kickoff.
