Indiana Football's 2026 Recruiting Class: A Closer Look at the New Era in Bloomington
As Indiana football turns the page toward a new chapter, the Hoosiers head into National Signing Day with most of their 2026 recruiting class already in the building-and that’s not just a figure of speech. Of the 22 players signed back in December, 19 are already enrolled and on campus, gearing up for spring ball. It’s a strong statement from a program looking to establish continuity and momentum under new leadership.
This class currently ranks No. 32 nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite, and while no additional high school signings are expected on Wednesday, the heavy lifting appears to be done. The Hoosiers have built a well-balanced group, with 10 offensive players and 12 on defense, pulling talent from nine different states-including seven signees from right here in Indiana.
Let’s break down the class, player by player, and take a deeper look at the names you’ll want to remember as this group begins its journey in Bloomington.
Offensive Signees
Jayreon Campbell - Running Back
*Powder Springs, Ga.
(McEachern)*
6-0, 190 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
75 RB nationally
Campbell brings speed and vision to the backfield.
He’s a shifty runner who can make defenders miss in space and has the frame to develop into a reliable three-down option. Expect him to compete early for reps in a running back room that’s looking for explosive playmakers.
Parker Elmore - Tight End
*Scipio, Ind.
(Columbus North)*
6-5, 230 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No.
13 TE nationally
Elmore is one of the crown jewels of this class.
A four-star in-state product, he has the size, hands, and route-running ability to be a matchup nightmare. He’s polished for a high school prospect and could be a key piece in Indiana’s red-zone packages sooner rather than later.
Trevor Gibbs - Tight End
*Crown Point, Ind.
(Crown Point)*
6-2, 220 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
50 TE nationally
Gibbs adds depth to the tight end room with a more compact, H-back style frame.
He’s a solid blocker and has reliable hands, making him a versatile piece for two-tight end sets.
PJ MacFarlane - Tight End
Liberty Township, Ohio (Lakota East)
6-5, 205 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No. 63 TE nationally
MacFarlane is a long, lean athlete with room to add weight. He’s a developmental prospect with intriguing upside as a vertical threat in the passing game.
Lavar Keys - Wide Receiver
(Details not listed, but part of the class)
Keys is a name to watch. While details are limited, his inclusion in this group suggests the staff sees something special in his skill set.
Kortez Rupert - Wide Receiver
*East Saint Louis, Ill.
(East Saint Louis)*
6-1, 160 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
235 WR nationally
Rupert has the speed and elusiveness to stretch the field.
He’s a wiry athlete who can line up outside or in the slot and make defenders pay after the catch.
Kenton Mondeau - Offensive Line
*Eau Claire, Wis.
(Eau Claire North)*
6-7, 315 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
116 OT nationally
At 6-foot-7, Mondeau has prototypical tackle size.
He’s raw but powerful, and with the right coaching, he could become a cornerstone on the edge of the offensive line.
Benjamin Novak - Offensive Line
*Crown Point, Ind.
(Andrean)*
6-7, 300 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
67 OT nationally
Another towering tackle prospect, Novak brings a physical edge to the trenches.
He’s a mauler in the run game and has the frame to anchor against Big Ten pass rushers.
CJ Scifres - Offensive Line
*Bargersville, Ind.
(Center Grove)*
6-6, 325 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
154 IOL nationally
Scifres has the size and strength to contribute on the interior.
He plays with a nasty streak and could be a future tone-setter at guard or center.
Samuel Simpson - Offensive Line
*River Falls, Wis.
(River Falls)*
6-4, 275 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
70 IOL nationally
Simpson is a technician on the interior with good footwork and awareness.
He’s not the biggest lineman in the group, but he plays smart and finishes blocks.
Defensive Signees
Kasmir Hicks - Defensive Back
*Camby, Ind.
(Decatur Central)*
5-11, 160 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No.
30 CB nationally
Hicks is a fluid athlete with elite ball skills.
A four-star corner from in-state, he’s got the tools to contribute early in nickel or boundary roles. His instincts and closing speed stand out on tape.
Jamar Owens - Defensive Back
*Jonesboro, Ga.
(Douglas County)*
6-0, 150 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
95 S nationally
Owens is a rangy safety with good anticipation.
He’ll need to add weight, but his frame and instincts make him a promising long-term project in the secondary.
D'Montae Tims - Defensive Back
*Ruskin, Fla.
(Armwood)*
6-1, 195 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
69 S nationally
Tims brings physicality to the back end.
He’s a sure tackler with the ability to play in the box or drop into coverage. His versatility could earn him early special teams work.
Gabriel Hill - Defensive Line
*Naperville, Ill.
(Naperville North)*
6-0, 290 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No.
24 DL nationally
Hill is a compact, explosive interior lineman who wins with leverage and quickness.
He’s a four-star disruptor who could be a problem for opposing guards from day one.
Kevontay Hugan - Defensive Line
*Sarasota, Fla.
(Booker)*
6-1, 215 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No.
33 DL nationally
Hugan is a tweener with twitch.
He could develop into a stand-up edge or a situational rusher depending on how his body develops. Either way, he’s a handful off the edge.
Ronelle Johnson - Defensive Line
*Blue Springs, Mo.
(Blue Springs)*
6-4, 245 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
52 Edge nationally
Johnson has ideal edge rusher size and length.
He’s raw but flashes bend and burst that coaches love to mold. He’s one to keep tabs on as he adjusts to college speed.
Blake Smythe - Defensive Line
*Trafalgar, Ind.
(Franklin Community)*
6-4, 300 lbs
Smythe is a big-bodied interior lineman who can eat space and anchor against the run. He’ll be a valuable rotational piece with the potential to grow into a starting role.
Rodney White - Defensive Line
*Baltimore, Md.
(Concordia)*
6-1, 295 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
169 DL nationally
White brings a low center of gravity and strong hands to the defensive front.
He’s built to clog lanes and free up linebackers behind him.
Henry Ohlinger - Linebacker
Columbus, Ohio (Grandview)
6-1, 210 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No. 15 LB nationally
Ohlinger is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite instincts. A four-star prospect, he’s the kind of player who can quarterback a defense.
His football IQ and motor jump off the screen.
Jacob Savage - Linebacker
*Union, Ky.
(Ryle)*
6-1, 219 lbs | ⭐⭐⭐ | No.
78 LB nationally
Savage is a thumper in the middle.
He plays downhill and brings a physical edge to the second level. He’ll thrive in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Ja'Dyn Williams - Linebacker
(Details not listed, but part of the class)
Williams adds depth to a linebacker unit that’s quietly becoming one of the more athletic groups on the roster.
Final Thoughts
This 2026 class doesn’t just bring talent-it brings balance, versatility, and a clear vision for the future of Indiana football. With 19 of the 22 signees already enrolled, the Hoosiers are getting a jumpstart on development, chemistry, and competition heading into spring.
If this group delivers on its potential, it could form the foundation of a new era in Bloomington-one built on in-state pride, national reach, and a renewed focus on both sides of the ball. Keep an eye on this class. There’s a lot to like.