The Big Ten matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Maryland Terrapins on November 1, 2025, in College Park is a meeting of two programs traveling in opposite directions—one ascending rapidly under new leadership and the other fighting to rediscover its footing. Indiana enters this game under head coach Curt Cignetti as a rejuvenated, disciplined, and physical football team, having shed its past mediocrity and emerged as a legitimate Big Ten contender. The Hoosiers have maintained the same formula that carried them to national prominence in 2024: establish the run, control tempo, and let a stingy defense dictate the flow of the game. Maryland, meanwhile, is seeking stability after a difficult stretch that exposed major issues in consistency and execution. Head coach Mike Locksley, now deep into his tenure, faces immense pressure to demonstrate that his program hasn’t plateaued. This contest will be a measuring stick for both—Indiana to prove its rise is sustainable, and Maryland to show it can still compete with the Big Ten’s middle and upper tiers. Indiana’s offense, powered by a veteran offensive line and a balanced playbook, thrives on efficiency rather than flash. Quarterback Tayven Jackson has matured into a steady leader, minimizing turnovers while efficiently orchestrating drives behind a two-headed rushing attack featuring Trent Howland and Jaylin Lucas. Cignetti’s system emphasizes balance and tempo control, and Indiana has excelled in long, clock-chewing drives that wear down opposing defenses. The Hoosiers’ receiving corps, led by Cam Camper and E.J. Williams, provides reliable route running and deep-threat ability, while the offensive line—anchored by Carter Smith—has been one of the Big Ten’s most improved units, keeping pressure off the quarterback and creating lanes for the running game.

On the other side of the ball, Indiana’s defense remains its backbone. Linebackers Aaron Casey and Jacob Mangum-Farrar lead a front seven that has become ferocious against the run, allowing less than 100 rushing yards per game. The Hoosiers’ secondary, featuring Nic Toomer and Kobee Minor, has developed into a confident, opportunistic unit that thrives on forcing turnovers and limiting big plays. Against Maryland, Indiana’s defensive plan will focus on collapsing the pocket and forcing young Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (or the Terrapins’ current starter) to make hurried throws. Maryland’s offensive identity, however, is still taking shape after losing key playmakers and struggling to maintain continuity. Running backs Roman Hemby and Antwain Littleton II are capable of moving the chains, but the offensive line has been inconsistent, and the passing game has lacked rhythm. The Terrapins’ path to competitiveness lies in quick tempo, misdirection, and exploiting Indiana’s aggressiveness with short passing concepts and screens. Defensively, Maryland must find ways to disrupt Indiana’s ground game and create third-and-long situations, relying on linebackers Ruben Hyppolite II and Jaishawn Barham to set the tone. The Terrapins’ secondary, which has surrendered too many explosive plays this season, faces a tough test against Indiana’s precise passing attack. From a betting perspective, Indiana enters as a double-digit favorite, likely around -10 to -12, given its superior efficiency and defensive dominance. Indiana has been strong against the spread as a road favorite under Cignetti, while Maryland has struggled to cover at home, particularly against physical teams that control possession. The over/under could hover around the mid-50s, depending on whether Maryland can generate scoring through tempo. Ultimately, the outcome hinges on execution and discipline—two areas where Indiana holds a decisive advantage. Expect the Hoosiers to establish control early with their running game, force Maryland into mistakes, and lean on their defense to close it out. The Terrapins may keep it competitive early behind home energy, but Indiana’s balance, experience, and toughness should prevail, extending their winning streak and reinforcing their standing as one of the Big Ten’s most improved and dangerous teams.