Ever tried to convince a casual fan that Notre Dame and Indiana have a "rivalry"? You usually get a blank stare. Or a laugh. It makes sense, honestly, because for the last thirty-some years, these two programs might as well have been playing in different galaxies. But if you actually live in Indiana, you know the vibe is different. It’s a quiet, simmering thing. Basically, it’s the "What If" bowl of the Midwest.
Most people think these teams never play. They’re right—mostly. Until very recently, they hadn't met on the grass since 1991. Then the 2024 College Football Playoff happened, and suddenly the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football vs Indiana Hoosiers football matchup wasn't just a history lesson; it was a high-stakes collision that nearly broke the state’s internet.
The Playoff Shock That Changed Everything
Let’s talk about that December night in 2024. No one—and I mean no one—had Indiana on their playoff bingo card when the season started. But there they were, a #10 seed coached by the indomitable Curt Cignetti, rolling into South Bend to face #7 Notre Dame. It was the first time these teams had met in over three decades.
The atmosphere was ridiculous. It wasn't just a game; it was a culture clash. You had the "Old Guard" Irish fans in their navy parkas expecting a routine win, and then you had this wave of crimson-clad Hoosier fans who genuinely believed the "Google me" era of Indiana football was about to claim its biggest victim.
Notre Dame ended up winning that one 27-17. It wasn't a blowout, but it was a reminder that while IU has closed the gap, the Irish still have that "big game" muscle memory. Riley Leonard and the Irish defense just wore them down. But for the Hoosiers? That loss felt like a beginning, not an end. It proved they could stand on the same field without looking like an FCS warmup.
A History That’s Weirder Than You Think
If you dig into the archives, the series record looks like a crime scene. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 24-5-1. That’s dominant. But the weird part is when those games happened.
📖 Related: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
Most of the Hoosiers' success came before the Model T was a thing. We’re talking 1898 to 1906. Back then, IU was actually a problem for the Irish. But since 1908? It’s been a bloodbath. Between 1908 and 1949, Notre Dame went 14-0.
The 1950 Upset
There is one date every Indiana fan should memorize: October 21, 1950.
Notre Dame was a titan. They’d won three of the last four national titles. They had Heisman winners like Leon Hart. They were supposed to steamroll the Hoosiers.
Instead, Indiana walked into Bloomington and slapped them with a 20-7 loss. It was one of the biggest shocks in college football history at the time. It’s the kind of game that old-timers still talk about at the local diners. For IU, it’s the gold standard. For the Irish, it’s a weird footnote they’d rather forget.
The Bettis Era (1991)
Fast forward to 1991. The last time they played before the modern era. This was the debut of Notre Dame’s legendary NBC contract. Jerome Bettis—yeah, "The Bus"—was just a 19-year-old kid. He ran for 111 yards and basically treated the Indiana defense like a light breeze. The Irish won 49-27. After that? Total silence for 33 years.
The In-State Cold War
Why don’t they play every year? It’s a logistics nightmare. Notre Dame has their independent schedule and ACC "tie-ins," while Indiana is locked in the Big Ten grind. But the rivalry lives in the recruiting trails.
👉 See also: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
Right now, Marcus Freeman and Curt Cignetti are fighting over the same four and five-star kids in Indianapolis and the surrounding suburbs. Just recently, we saw this play out in the transfer portal. Indiana actually beat out Notre Dame for former Michigan State star receiver Nick Marsh in early 2026. That’s a huge deal. Usually, if the Irish want an in-state kid (or a regional transfer), they get him. Cignetti is changing that math.
Notre Dame did punch back, though. Landing defensive tackle Francis Brewu in the portal was a massive win for Freeman, especially with Indiana lingering as a late threat. It’s this constant chess match. They might not play on Saturdays in October, but they’re fighting in living rooms every Tuesday night.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this isn't a "real" rivalry.
Sure, it’s not Notre Dame vs. USC or Indiana vs. Purdue. But go to any sports bar in Indy when these two are mentioned. The tension is real. Irish fans view IU as the "little brother" that occasionally gets too loud. Hoosier fans view Notre Dame as the arrogant neighbor who thinks they’re too good for the neighborhood.
Current Series Snapshot:
✨ Don't miss: Current Score of the Steelers Game: Why the 30-6 Texans Blowout Changed Everything
- Total Games: 30
- Notre Dame Wins: 24
- Indiana Wins: 5
- Ties: 1
- Last Meeting: Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17 (2024 CFP)
The 2024 playoff game basically resuscitated a corpse. It proved there is a massive appetite for this game. The TV ratings were through the roof. People want to see the golden helmets vs. the cream and crimson.
The Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond
If you’re a fan of this matchup, mark your calendars. We aren't waiting another 33 years. The two schools have officially locked in a home-and-home series.
- August 31, 2030: Indiana travels to South Bend.
- September 27, 2031: Notre Dame goes to Bloomington.
That 2031 game is going to be insane. It will be the first time the Irish have played in Bloomington since 1950. Think about that. Most people attending that game weren't even born the last time it happened. The ticket prices are going to be astronomical.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on following this "reborn" rivalry, here is what you need to watch:
- Watch the Portal: As we saw with the Nick Marsh and Francis Brewu situations, the transfer portal is the new battlefield. If a high-profile player from the Midwest enters the portal, assume Notre Dame and IU are both on the phone.
- Indianapolis Recruiting: Keep an eye on the top prospects out of Ben Davis, Lawrence North, and Center Grove. The team that locks down Indy usually wins the optics battle in the state.
- Schedule Flexibility: With the Big Ten expanding and Notre Dame’s schedule getting tighter, don't be surprised if there are talks to move these future games to "Neutral Site" venues like Lucas Oil Stadium to maximize revenue. (Though honestly, keep them on campus. The atmosphere is better.)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football vs Indiana Hoosiers football game isn't just a lopsided history lesson anymore. It’s a modern power struggle. Whether you're a student in South Bend or a fan in Bloomington, the 2024 playoff game changed the frequency. It’s no longer a question of "if" they matter to each other, but how much damage they can do to each other's seasons.
To stay ahead of the curve, start tracking the 2027 and 2028 recruiting classes in the Hoosier State. Those are the players who will actually be on the field when the rivalry officially returns to the regular season in 2030. Keep a close eye on the weekly recruiting rankings; that's where the next chapter is currently being written.