[6BS] Hoosiers Add Two Exhibition Matchups
Marian and Baylor added to the schedule
Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, where we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.
The exhibition games in Puerto Rico are in the rearview mirror. However, exhibition contests in the state of Indiana were announced for shortly before the regular season begins.
Besides this, a small update to Assembly Hall, recruiting, and the football season is approaching. As usual, we will conclude with weekly shows and a look at other Hoosier sports, which was highlighted by men’s soccer opening their year with a thrilling match.
The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Here is what is in this week’s edition:
Marian And Baylor Added To The Schedule As Exhibition Games
Assembly Hall Floor Replaced
Recruiting Update
Football Season Preview
Weekly Shows
Hoosier Roundup-Men’s Soccer Kicks Off Their Season With Thrilling Match
Banner #1: Marian And Baylor Added To The Schedule As Exhibition Games
With the Puerto Rico exhibition games now over, fans can look to the regular season, which is just over two months away. However, before the November 5 opener against Alabama A&M can occur, there are typically scrimmages several days before.
Prior to this week, though, it was a mystery when these might happen. Now this information is public.
There will be one on Friday, October 17, against Pat Knight’s Marian squad in Bloomington. This date is the beginning of homecoming weekend and is earlier than usual for an exhibition game. Generally, this would be when Hoosier Hysteria is, and it is unclear if this will still take place this fall at an earlier time.
The second one of these scrimmages will be against a power-five opponent. However, it will take place in Indianapolis on Sunday, October 26, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The opponent is Baylor, and it will be one of two times Indiana plays in the state’s capital city this fall. A regular-season matchup with Louisville will take place in December at the same venue.
While the times and potential broadcast network have not been announced yet, a couple of things can be inferred. With the Marian game being on a Friday, it can be assumed that it will start at night. As for Baylor, the Indianapolis Colts have a home contest with the Tennessee Titans at 4:25 pm that day just down the street. As a result, it is almost certainly start and end before or after this event.
Banner #2: Assembly Hall Floor Replaced
An entirely new roster will not be the only difference Hoosiers fans notice for this upcoming 2025-2026 season. This is because Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is getting a facelift.
It was announced this week that the stadium’s floor has been refinished. IU athletics released a video this week of the update taking place.
Banner #3: Recruiting Update
Recruiting is off to a rousing start under new head coach Darian DeVries as he goes all in for future classes. With Prince-Alexander Moody already in the fold, the Hoosiers are going all out to bolster their future. This includes an upcoming campus visit later this month from a top prospect, while another included IU on his final list of places he is still considering.
Highlight videos for some potential targets are also available now. This includes Nasir Anderson and Ryan Hampton.
Banner #4: Football Season Preview
While 6-Banner is a basketball-focused column, the success of IU football in 2024 has led to unprecedented excitement amongst the fan base and increased media coverage for the program. As a result, Inside the Hall provided video from coach Curt Cignetti’s media availability following practice. Also, the winning does not appear to be a temporary thing, as the team is projected in a solid bowl game by most sources, and several players received preseason recognition.
Finally, Memorial Stadium is getting a slight name change. As a result of an announced sponsorship deal, the venue will now be known as Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Also, Lucas Oil will be a sponsor as well.
Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel
Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.
The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both
Jerod Morris and
Tony Adragna
have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.
Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?
Banner #5: Weekly Shows
Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, Crimson Cast’s Galen Clavio discussed the upcoming football season.
The Back Home Network was on air multiple times this week. Crimson Cast, Dribble Drive, Football Weather, and Xs and Joes all had shows over the last few days.
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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Men’s Soccer Kicks Off Their Season With Thrilling Match
The Big Ten favorite men’s soccer came back from a two-goal deficit to salvage a tie against elite Clemson in their season opener. The match was played in front of over 6,000 people, which was the third largest in program history, and Assembly Call was on site with coverage.
Women’s soccer knocked off Ball State.
Women’s basketball added a recruiting analyst to its staff.
Volleyball had a scrimmage.
Cross country released its fall schedule.
Track and field announced its upcoming recruiting classes.
Thanks for your continued support of The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.
Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.
Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor
The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.