Indiana’s offensive line already earned national respect last season, and CBS Sports thinks the Hoosiers can keep that momentum rolling into 2026.
In its latest top-10 offensive line rankings for the upcoming season, CBS slotted Indiana at No. 8 overall and No. 2 in the Big Ten, trailing only Ohio State. That placement comes after IU finished as a finalist for the Joe Moore Award and powered one of the most productive ground games in the country, leading all Power Four teams with 3,275 rushing yards and 218.7 rushing yards per game. The Hoosiers also gave up just 1.56 sacks per game.
A big reason for the optimism is the return of Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year Carter Smith, who passed on the NFL Draft and came back to Bloomington. Indiana also brings back Bray Lynch and Drew Evans, giving the group a strong veteran base even after losing starting center and sixth-round draft pick Pat Coogan and starting right tackle Kahlil Benson.
"The Hoosiers return a really strong unit in 2026, led by All-American left tackle Carter Smith, who was rock solid all season in 2025 and more than capable in both phases," wrote 247Sports' Blake Brockermeyer.
The biggest spring storyline up front was center, where Indiana rotated Evans and Lynch with the first-team offense. Evans, a redshirt senior, appears to have the edge after starting at the position in the spring game. Lynch missed the spring game because of injury precaution, but he remains in line for a starting job this fall, either at center or at guard, where he has spent his entire career.
"Drew Evans will anchor the offensive line this season after starting at guard last year and is a steady presence who will be solid in both phases," wrote Brockermeyer.
"Bray Lynch is back with more than 1,800 career snaps and is a steady player who is a very solid run blocker," wrote Brockermeyer.
Indiana also made a notable portal addition in former Wisconsin lineman Joe Brunner, a 6-foot-7, 313-pound blocker who is ranked the No. 3 transfer interior lineman and No. 86 overall transfer. Brunner did not allow a sack in 12 starts at left guard in 2025, and CBS sees him as a major piece for the Hoosiers.
"The Hoosiers brought in Joe Brunner, with his 1,500 career snaps at Wisconsin," wrote Brockermeyer. "He is a massive interior player who excels at moving defenders in zone schemes and is steady as a rock in protection. I expect Brunner to be one of the better guards in the country."
The one spot that still looks least certain is right tackle, where redshirt sophomore Adedamola Ajani is expected to step in. Ajani played in 12 games with four starts last season, including the Rose Bowl against Alabama, and also handled key snaps in the Big Ten Championship, Peach Bowl and national championship game.
"Adedamola Ajani has the least returning experience, with 400 career snaps, and is expected to be the right tackle this season," wrote Brockermeyer. "Ajani showed the ability to move defenders as a run blocker last year at guard, but struggled with speed and twitch in limited reps at right tackle."
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