2026 Indiana Hoosiers

[Leonardfan]

Since 2005 Indiana has started 11,12,8,9,9,11,10,10,14,9,10,11,9,12,7,5,6, 7, 5, 9 and 7 White athletes. The Hoosiers are projected to start 9 in 2026.

Last year the Hoosiers proved to be the most palatable national championship team in recent memory. Cignetti attacked the portal again this year and smartly targeted players that would fit in with the system. Their is alot of experienced depth on the Hoosiers defense but after this season their looks for some potential for things to darken up. The transfer portal will tell the direction of the team after the season.

This season Indiana will be a team to root for and watch. QB Josh Hoover put up big numbers for TCU although he had issues with turnovers. Hopefully he is able to play more under control, make smart decisions like his predecessor Mendoza. On defense Elijah Jones really emerged out of nowhere and with another strong season should elevate his draft stock.

Players to look out for are QB Tyler Cherry, DE Josh Burnham, DT Joe Hjelle, LB Jeff Utzinger, LB Kaiden Turner.


Offense
QB Josh Hoover
WR Charlie Becker
LT Carter Smith
LG Drew Evans
C Bray Lynch
RT Joe Brunner

Defense
DT Mario Landino
LB Elijah Jones
SS Preston Zachman

 

[Freethinker]

For me, Charlie Becker and Preston Zachman make this team a must watch. Would love to see Becker work his way into the 1st round. Zachman should be a drafted player too, despite being older (25). A great season on a championship competing team can only boost his stock.

 

[jphoss]

Cignetti better be careful, he is a demanding coach and certain types of players can’t be “disrespected” with their fragile ego. Too many blacks and he runs the risk of “losing the locker room” without enough high profile whites to keep the brotha’s in line

 

[Don Wassall]

For me, Charlie Becker and Preston Zachman make this team a must watch. Would love to see Becker work his way into the 1st round. Zachman should be a drafted player too, despite being older (25). A great season on a championship competing team can only boost his stock.

The Caste NFL will have a very difficult time keeping Becker out of the first round, second at worst.

​

 

[Leonardfan]

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...ignetti-blasts-unfair-scrutiny-qb-josh-hoover

Indiana is 3-0 and Hoover has a TD/INT ratio of 10/0 yet people are attacking him. Glad Cigntetti is supporting his QB.

 

[Kaiser_Soze]

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...ignetti-blasts-unfair-scrutiny-qb-josh-hoover

Indiana is 3-0 and Hoover has a TD/INT ratio of 10/0 yet people are attacking him. Glad Cigntetti is supporting his QB.

It shows that people don't understand how Indiana got their first championship in the first place - it was great defense above everything else. Holding Ohio State to 10, Oregon to 20 and 22, Alabama to 3...

The fact is they are really going to miss Aiden Fisher when the chips are down later in the season. Dude was a superstar, one of the best players I've ever seen whether it was defending the run or the pass.

 

[Leonardfan]

It shows that people don't understand how Indiana got their first championship in the first place - it was great defense above everything else. Holding Ohio State to 10, Oregon to 20 and 22, Alabama to 3...

The fact is they are really going to miss Aiden Fisher when the chips are down later in the season. Dude was a superstar, one of the best players I've ever seen whether it was defending the run or the pass.

Agreed. I do think they have a very capable defense and good rotational pieces this season so plenty of depth. Isiah Jones also emerged late in the season and through the playoff run.

Hoover will get chances as Indiana gets into Big 10 play.