Just one week after capturing the program’s first-ever national title, Indiana football isn’t slowing down - they’re gearing up. And if you ask head coach Curt Cignetti, the mission is clear: don’t rebuild, reload.
Cignetti’s approach has always been rooted in production over potential, and that philosophy is paying off in a big way as the Hoosiers prepare for 2026. With a transfer portal haul that’s turning heads across the college football landscape, Indiana is positioning itself to make another serious run - and maybe even go back-to-back.
Transfer Portal Reload: A Top-Tier Class
Multiple national rankings have Indiana’s transfer class firmly inside the top 10. At 247Sports, the Hoosiers’ 17-man incoming group checks in at No. 7 nationally. That includes five 4-star transfers and nine 3-stars - a mix of proven talent and positional need that fits Cignetti’s blueprint perfectly.
Among the headliners is wide receiver Nick Marsh, a big-bodied, 6-foot-3 playmaker from Michigan State. Marsh brings speed, size, and a knack for explosive plays - everything you want in a No. 1 target. He’s expected to slot right into the role vacated by Elijah Sarratt, and if he clicks early, Indiana’s passing attack could be just as dangerous as it was during their title run.
At quarterback, Josh Hoover arrives from TCU with starting experience and a solid command of the position. He may not have the elite arm talent of some other portal QBs, but he brings enough arm strength, accuracy, and poise to run Indiana’s vertical system - as long as he can limit turnovers. With Marsh on the outside and a veteran offensive line in front of him, Hoover’s transition could be smoother than most.
Speaking of the line, Joe Brunner (Wisconsin) is a plug-and-play guard who brings toughness and Big Ten experience to the interior. Add in Turbo Richard, a dynamic running back from Boston College who fits the Hoosiers’ scheme like a glove, and it’s clear Indiana has retooled its offense with purpose.
Defensive Depth and Experience
Cignetti didn’t just focus on offense - the defense got a serious injection of talent and experience, too. Edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State), corner A.J. Harris (Penn State), linebacker Joshua Burnham (Notre Dame), defensive lineman Chiddi Obiazor (Kansas State), and safety Joe Hjelle (Tulsa) headline a defensive group that brings a combined 162 college games of experience to Bloomington.
That kind of veteran depth matters - especially in a conference where physicality and execution on defense can make or break a season. These aren’t just bodies; they’re battle-tested players who’ve seen real snaps in big moments.
By the Numbers: Portal Rankings Favor IU
Indiana’s portal class isn’t just strong on paper - the numbers back it up. According to On3’s Team Transfer Portal Index, which evaluates how much a team improves relative to its own roster (not just compared to other schools), Indiana ranks No. 1 overall. That model factors in not only who’s coming in, but who’s leaving - and for IU, the net gain is substantial.
On3’s breakdown: three 4-star transfers in, none out; 14 3-stars in, nine out. That kind of retention and upgrade is rare in today’s portal-driven landscape.
ESPN also has Indiana’s portal class ranked No. 3 nationally, highlighting how effectively the staff has addressed key needs - particularly around the quarterback position - with players who can contribute right away.
High School Recruiting Still in Play
While the portal has been the headline, Indiana hasn’t ignored traditional recruiting. The Hoosiers also boast a consensus top-35 high school class for 2026 - a sign that the long-term foundation is being built alongside the immediate push for another title.
The Bottom Line
Indiana isn’t just riding the wave of a championship - they’re doubling down. With a transfer class that blends experience, talent, and positional fit, Curt Cignetti has his team primed for another run. The Hoosiers aren’t just looking to defend their crown - they’re looking to raise the bar.
If this portal class lives up to the billing, Indiana might not just be a one-time champion. They could be building something even bigger.