Hoosiers Make a Statement: A Signature Week for IU Basketball and More
There are good weeks in college sports-and then there are weeks like the one Indiana just had. From a pair of marquee basketball wins to a key recruiting addition, and even some clarity on the football front, the Hoosiers are riding high across the board. Let’s break it all down.
Banner #1 - Hoosiers Take Down Purdue for First Signature Win Under Darian DeVries
Tuesday night in Bloomington had the kind of energy that makes Assembly Hall one of college basketball’s most electric venues. The football team’s national title celebration set the tone, but it was the men’s basketball team that stole the show, delivering a 72-67 win over archrival Purdue-the first true signature victory of the Darian DeVries era.
Indiana dictated the pace for most of the game, leaning on a balanced attack and timely shot-making. Nick Dorn and Reed Bailey stepped up in a big way, complementing the steady brilliance of Tucker DeVries and the explosive Lamar Wilkerson. Wilkerson dropped 19 points, Dorn added 18, and the Hoosiers knocked down 12 threes on the night-each one more energizing than the last.
Purdue made a late push, trimming a double-digit deficit to just two points with a minute to play. But then came the dagger: Conor Enright rose up and buried a clutch three that sealed the deal. It was the kind of moment that defines a season-and maybe a coaching tenure.
This win wasn’t just about bragging rights. It was about belief. For the first time under DeVries, the Hoosiers looked like a team ready to make real noise in March.
Banner #2 - Hoosiers Outlast UCLA in Double OT Thriller at Pauley Pavilion
If Tuesday was about control, Saturday was about grit.
Indiana’s 98-97 double-overtime win over UCLA at Pauley Pavilion was a rollercoaster. The Hoosiers led by 10 with under two minutes left, only to see the Bruins storm back and force OT. But instead of folding, IU showed serious resolve.
Lamar Wilkerson came up big again with clutch finishes at the rim, and the Hoosiers were nails at the free-throw line-31-for-38 overall, including 10-for-14 in the extra periods. The trio of Bailey, Dorn, and Wilkerson combined for a jaw-dropping 74 points, each scoring at least 24 in a game that demanded every ounce of energy.
The deciding moment came with less than a second left in double overtime. Trent Sisley drew a foul and calmly sank the game-winning free throw. That’s a pressure moment most players dream about-and he delivered.
At 15-7 overall and 6-5 in the Big Ten, Indiana now owns two Quad 1 victories and has likely moved onto the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. With momentum building, they’ll wrap up their West Coast swing Tuesday night against USC.
Banner #3 - IU Lands Commitment from Top-75 Wing Trevor Manhertz
Indiana didn’t just win on the hardwood this week-they also won on the recruiting trail.
Trevor Manhertz, a top-75 wing in the 2026 class, committed to the Hoosiers on Wednesday, becoming the third member of a promising group that already includes Prince-Alexander Moody and Vaughn Karvala.
Manhertz brings size, versatility, and a scoring punch to the perimeter. His commitment continues a strong recruiting trend under DeVries, who’s clearly building something sustainable in Bloomington. This class is shaping up to be one of IU’s most well-rounded in recent memory.
Banner #4 - IU Football’s 2026 Schedule Released
The confetti from the football team’s national title may have settled, but the program’s future is already taking shape. This week, the Big Ten released IU’s 2026 football schedule, and fans have plenty to be excited about.
For once, the big games are coming to Bloomington. Indiana will host both Ohio State and USC at Memorial Stadium-two blue-blood programs that promise to bring major attention and electric atmospheres.
There was also news on the personnel front. Star wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is headed to the NFL Draft, but the Hoosiers are still in good shape.
Charlie Becker returns, and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh is expected to be an immediate impact player. This wide receiver room remains one of the most dynamic in the Big Ten.
Banner #5 - Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network Shows
This week’s Podcast on the Brink featured a deep dive into the Purdue win, with Alex Bozich and Ryan Corazza breaking down what made the performance so impactful.
Meanwhile, The Back Home Network kept the content flowing with multiple shows and segments throughout the week, offering fans plenty of insight and analysis from every angle of IU athletics.
Banner #6 - Hoosier Roundup: Olympic Sports Shine
It wasn’t just the marquee programs making headlines. Indiana’s Olympic sports had a strong showing this week:
- Swimming and Diving swept both Purdue and nationally ranked Louisville in a dominant display.
- Water Polo stayed unbeaten, racking up three more wins.
- Women’s Tennis continued its perfect start with sweeps of Cincinnati and Eastern Kentucky.
- Wrestling split its weekend, beating Michigan State and falling to Illinois.
- Track and Field competed in several events across the region.
- Men’s Soccer added five new players from the transfer portal, bolstering an already strong roster.
- Women’s Basketball had a tough week with losses to Purdue and Michigan, but they’ll look to bounce back against Northwestern in what could be their first Big Ten win of the season.
Final Thought
From buzzer-beaters to big-time commitments, Indiana sports delivered a week to remember. The basketball team is finding its stride, the football program is gearing up for another run, and the rest of the athletic department is keeping the momentum going. If you’re a Hoosier fan, this week was a reminder of just how exciting things can get in Bloomington.
Strap in-February could be even more fun.