Indiana State Normal football, 1896–1898

The Indiana State Normal football program's first three seasons of competition were from 1896 to 1898, representing Indiana State Normal School—now known as Indiana State University—as an independent. The school did not field a team in 1899 or 1900, and resumed play in 1901.

1896
The 1896 Indiana State Normal football team represented Indiana State Normal School—now known as Indiana State University—as an independent during the 1896 college football season. This was the inaugural team for the school. Indiana State Normal played one game, versus Terre Haute High School; later Terre Haute William Wiley High. Few to no records remain, though it is known the Sycamores lost to the high schoolers. The coach is unknown and the only player known is Lotus Coffman, future college president.

1897
The 1897 Indiana State Normal football team represented Indiana State Normal School—now known as Indiana State University—as an independent during the 1897 college football season. The coach was R. Clark; also described as the team manager, the roster consisted of at least 11 lettermen.

1898
The 1898 Indiana State Normal football team represented Indiana State Normal School—now known as Indiana State University—as an independent during the 1898 college football season. This was the third team fielded by the school. Led by Fred DuBridge in his first and only season as head coach, Indiana State compiled a record of 1–2. The roster consisted of at least 18 lettermen.

DuBridge, the director of the local YMCA, spend most of his career managing YMCA facilities; his son Lee achieved fame as one of the most preeminent scientists of the 20th century.