Indiana just got a massive boost to its title defense hopes - and it starts in the trenches.
Tyrique Tucker, the All-American defensive tackle who anchored the middle of Indiana’s dominant front, announced he’s returning for the 2026 season. That’s big news for a Hoosiers squad that just won a national championship and could’ve easily lost one of its most disruptive defenders to the NFL Draft.
Tucker had every reason to make the leap. He started all 16 games last season and played like a pro, earning AP third-team All-American honors and a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team.
His stat line was as sturdy as his presence on the line: 40 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, and a pair of pass breakups. But beyond the numbers, it was his impact that stood out.
Tucker consistently blew up plays before they could get started, setting the tone for a defense that was one of the best in the country.
The Hoosiers finished the season ranked No. 2 nationally in scoring defense and tackles for loss, No. 4 in total defense, and No. 6 in sacks. That’s not just a good year - that’s elite territory.
And a big part of that dominance came from Tucker’s ability to control the line of scrimmage. Indiana allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game in the nation, and Tucker was right in the middle of it all, clogging lanes and collapsing pockets.
The Norfolk, Virginia native transferred to Indiana from James Madison, following head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive tackles coach Pat Kuntz. Since arriving in Bloomington, all Tucker’s done is produce. In two seasons with the Hoosiers, he’s racked up 64 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three pass breakups - and he’s done it against some of the toughest offensive lines in the country.
Tucker’s decision to return for his redshirt senior season is a statement - not just about unfinished business, but about belief in what this Indiana team is building. And he won’t be doing it alone.
Rising junior Mario Landino, his partner in the middle, is also coming back. That means the Hoosiers will return both of their starting defensive tackles next season - a rare luxury for a championship-caliber defense.
In a sport where games are so often won in the trenches, Indiana just ensured it’ll have two battle-tested anchors back in the heart of its defensive front. Tucker’s return is more than just a big name staying in school - it’s a foundational piece for a team that’s not done chasing greatness.