The 2026 season kicked off for Indiana University football with their first spring practice, and there was plenty of excitement in the air as the Hoosiers hit the field at John Mellencamp Pavilion. This marked the debut for incoming transfers and early high school enrollees with their new squad.
Hoover and Marsh Make Their Debuts
Among the fresh faces, quarterback Josh Hoover and wide receiver Nick Marsh stood out. Hoover, a transfer from TCU, impressed with his arm strength and accuracy, making it clear why he’s a top pick in the Hoosiers’ 2026 portal class. Though he’s a bit smaller than his predecessor, Fernando Mendoza, Hoover’s performance didn’t go unnoticed.
Hoover was seen connecting with his new targets, including Nick Marsh, a standout transfer from Michigan State. Marsh, however, learned quickly about team expectations when head coach Curt Cignetti called him out for wearing gold cleats instead of the team’s standard colors. But on the field, Marsh’s athleticism and skills were on full display, showing he’s ready to be a key player alongside returners Charlie Becker and Tyler Morris.
New Leaders Emerge
With last season’s captains having graduated, it was time for new leaders to step up. Drew Evans, Isaiah Jones, and Tyrique Tucker took charge during the team’s pre-practice rituals. Jones, a senior linebacker, also took on the role of motivational speaker, a position previously held by Aiden Fisher.
Cignetti has a history of not automatically appointing quarterbacks as captains, so it wasn’t surprising to see Hoover not in that leadership circle just yet. As spring and fall camps progress, a fourth leader is expected to emerge.
“We’ve got a good core nucleus of guys returning that are going to be good leaders on this football team that are seniors,” Cignetti shared, emphasizing the importance of leadership growth throughout the year.
High Intensity from the Start
The first practice was marked by high intensity and focus, a signature of Cignetti’s approach. From dynamic stretching to position-specific drills, every moment was executed with purpose. Director of Athletic Performance Tyson Brown ensured the energy stayed high, echoing the commitment that led to last season’s perfect 16-0 run.
Cignetti’s focus is now on maximizing the potential of this new group. “All we’re going to try to do is get as much juice, squeeze as much juice out of this group as we can this spring and take them as far as we can,” he stated, underscoring the drive to build on past successes and push the team to new heights.