Indiana football’s rise is a ‘living nightmare’ for some fans of archrival Purdue
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Purdue fans are grappling with Indiana University's unexpected rise in college football, as IU prepares to face Miami in the national championship game, a development seen as a "living nightmare" by some Purdue loyalists.
- Indiana's football success contrasts sharply with Purdue's recent struggles, including a 2-10 season and winless Big Ten record in 2025, intensifying the rivalry traditionally dominated by basketball.
- The rivalry's complexity is highlighted by personal connections, such as Tommy Barrett, a Purdue alum married to an IU graduate, who reluctantly supports his wife's enthusiasm for IU football despite his own allegiance.
- Purdue basketball remains strong under coach Matt Painter, ranked fifth nationally, but has yet to secure a national title, while Indiana fans
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