Offense
The quarterback position will belong to TCU transfer Josh Hoover. Nobody has produced more at the position that is returning in 2026. He has played in 36 career games, with 31 starts, and has compiled 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns. Cutting down on turnovers is the next step for Hoover.
The running back room returns some experience in Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr. Martin averaged 6.5 yards per carry last season. The addition of Turbo Richard from Boston College is massive. He rushed for nearly 800 yards on over five yards per carry for the Eagles last season.
The wide receiver room returns Charlie Becker and Tyler Morris, among others. Morris missed all of last season with an injury and Becker will be remembered forever for his big catches in big games. The additions of Shazz Preston (Tulane), Nick Marsh (Michigan State), and tight end Brock Schott (Miami) are key.
The offensive line room returns experience in Drew Evans, Bray Lynch, Carter Smith (All-Big 10), Adeamala Ajani, and Austin Liebfried. The addition of Joe Brunner (Wisconsin) is absolutely massive. He has started every game the past two seasons and brings that experience to Indiana.
Defense
The defensive line room is loaded with talent. Tyrique Tucker, Mario Landino, and Daniel Ndukwe return with experience. The additions of Joshua Burnham (Notre Dame), Chiddi Obiazor (Kansas State), Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State), and Joe Hjelle (Tulsa) are significant for this unit.
The linebacker room returns tons of production in Rolijah Hardy, Isaiah Jones, Jeff Utzinger, and Kaiden Turner, among others. Hardy and Jones make plays all over the field and both very well could be NFL Draft picks after this season.
The secondary returns experience in Amare Ferrell, Jamari Sharpe, Byron Baldwin Jr., and Ryland Gandy, among others. The additions of Carson Williams (Montana State), AJ Harris (Penn State), Quan Sanks (Cincinnati), and Preston Zuchman (Wisconsin) are massive for this unit.
Specialists
Kicker Nico Radicic has been Indiana’s secret weapon the last few seasons. There are not many better than him. Hawai’i transfer Billy Gowers will handle the punting duties.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 North Texas
- 9/12 Howard
- 9/19 Western Kentucky
- 9/25 Northwestern
- 10/3 at Rutgers
- 10/10 at Nebraska
- 10/17 Ohio State
- 10/24 at Michigan
- 10/31 Minnesota
- 11/14 USC
- 11/21 at Washington
- 11/28 Purdue
Final Analysis
Curt Cignetti is the best coach in college football. He proved that last season by going 16-0 at Indiana. He has built IU into a lasting winner with staying power. Nobody evaluates talent better than Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers must replace a Heisman quarterback and other NFL Draft picks, but they will do so and continue to win at a high level.
