Bloomington, Indiana – The Indiana Hoosiers football program is entering the 2026 season with high expectations after completing a storybook 16‑0 national championship campaign in 2025. Ranked sixth in the preseason AP poll, the team will face the challenge of replacing Heisman‑winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who departed as the NFL’s No. 1 overall draft pick.
Coaching continuity and new talent
Two‑time Associated Press Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti remains at the helm, promising to build on the standards that earned the Hoosiers their titles. Cignetti’s staff has retained a core of experienced players while adding several transfers to fill key gaps.
On offense, senior left tackle Carter Smith, the 2025 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, anchors the line alongside left guard Drew Evans. The unit is further bolstered by All‑Big Ten guard Joe Brunner, a transfer from Wisconsin, and promising backups Adedamola Ajani and Bray Lynch, who could see expanded roles.
Quarterback transition
The most visible change comes at quarterback. Josh Hoover, a transfer from TCU, will inherit a high‑powered offense that relied heavily on Mendoza’s play‑making ability. Hoover’s task will be to reduce the turnover rate that plagued him at TCU while adapting to Cignetti’s increasingly run‑heavy scheme.
Supporting Hoover is a revamped receiving corps. Charlie Becker, who was a key contributor in the Big Ten title game, will see an expanded role. Transfer wide receiver Nick Marsh, a large‑bodied target from Michigan State, adds a down‑field threat. Former Michigan receiver Tyler Morris, returning from injury, and Tulane’s Shazz Preston also provide depth.
Defensive depth and experience
The Hoosiers’ defensive front returns two starters from last season – Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt – strengthening a line that already featured Mario Landino and Tyrique Tucker. Additional experience arrives via transfers: former Kansas State teammates Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi, former Notre Dame lineman Josh Burnham, and former Tulsa lineman Joe Hjelle.
Defensive backs also benefit from the transfer portal, with A.J. Harris (Penn State), Carson Williams (Montana State), and Quan Sanks (Cincinnati) joining the secondary.
Schedule highlights
Indiana’s season opens on Sept. 5 at home against North Texas. Key conference matchups include a showdown with Ohio State on Oct. 17, a game at Michigan on Oct. 24, and a high‑profile contest versus USC on Nov. 14.
While the Hoosiers aim to defend both the Big Ten and national titles, the true test will be how quickly the new supporting cast gels and whether Hoover can lead a balanced attack that limits turnovers.
Looking ahead
Fans in Bloomington and across Indiana will be watching closely as the Hoosiers seek to become the first major‑college program since the 1890s to post back‑to‑back undefeated seasons. With a blend of seasoned leaders and fresh talent, Coach Cignetti believes the team has the depth and experience to compete for another championship.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
