Indiana’s freshman count keeps climbing.
Three more true freshmen saw the field for the first time this season against Western Kentucky, pushing the Hoosiers’ total number of first-year players who have played to 13.
The latest additions to the group were tight end Trevor Gibbs, defensive lineman Blake Smythe and linebacker Ja’Dyn Williams. They joined a batch of freshmen who had already logged snaps in the win over the Hilltoppers: running back Jayreon Campbell, tight end Parker Elmore, defensive lineman Cam McHaney, offensive lineman Kenton Mondeau, linebacker Henry Ohlinger, defensive back Jamar Owens, linebacker Jacob Savage and offensive lineman Sam Simpson.
Gibbs was the busiest of the newcomers. In his first game with Indiana, he played 18 offensive snaps, the most among the freshmen, though he did not record any stats.
McHaney and Smythe led the defensive freshman group with seven snaps apiece, and both made an impact in the stat sheet by notching a QB hurry. Owens made his three defensive snaps count as well, finishing with a tackle in the victory.
Other first-year players got their work in different spots. Mondeau and Simpson each played seven snaps on the offensive line, while Campbell appeared for one snap and turned it into a seven-yard carry. Elmore’s action came on special teams.
Ohlinger, Smythe and Williams also saw time on special teams and did not record any stats.
The freshman list now breaks down this way:
DL Cam McHaney
LB Henry Ohlinger
DB Jamar Owens
LB Jacob Savage
OL Sam Simpson
Played in two games (3)
RB Jayreon Campbell
TE Parker Elmore
OL Kenton Mondeau
Played in one game (5)
TE Trevor Gibbs
WR Lavar Keys
OL Ben Novak
DL Blake Smythe
LB Ja’Dyn Williams
Yet to play (9)
DB Kasmir Hicks
DL Gabe Hill
DE Kevontay Hugan
DE Ronelle Johnson
TE PJ MacFarlane
WR Kortez Rupert
OL CJ Scifres
DB D’Montae Tims
DL Rodney White
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There is also more to watch on the recruiting front, where IU basketball picked up a commitment from 2027 prospect Felix Kiehlneker. Add in a pair of preseason projections that slot Indiana seventh in the Big Ten, and the season ahead already has a built-in edge as the Hoosiers look to prove they belong higher in the league picture. [Read more 🡒]