Indiana football dropped its 2026 roster this week, and there’s a lot to unpack. Between fresh transfers, returning talent, and a few intriguing position battles, Curt Cignetti’s squad is shaping up to make some noise again this fall. A National Championship run tends to raise expectations - and based on the depth we’re seeing, the Hoosiers aren’t backing down from the spotlight.
Let’s dig into three position groups that stand out heading into spring ball.
Quarterback Battle (Behind the Starter)
The starting QB job looks settled, but the backup spot? That’s where things get interesting - and potentially telling for Indiana’s long-term plans.
Grant Wilson, a veteran in his final year of eligibility, is battling it out with redshirt freshman Tyler Cherry. Cherry missed last season due to a non-contact injury, but he’s back in the mix now and ready to compete.
And if you’ve followed his journey, you know there’s plenty of upside here. He was a four-star recruit with a strong arm and high-level pedigree, originally committed to Duke before flipping to Indiana.
Wilson brings experience, no doubt. But with no eligibility left beyond this year, his presence is more of a short-term insurance policy than a long-term investment. If he wins the backup job, it may signal that the staff doesn’t feel Cherry is quite ready yet - and that another portal dive could be coming next offseason.
On the flip side, if Cherry secures that QB2 spot, it’s a strong sign the staff sees him as the future. And with Indiana’s recent history of needing more than one quarterback to get through a season, don’t be surprised if we see both guys take meaningful snaps in 2026.
Defensive Line: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
If Indiana’s defensive front looked like a strength last season, it might be even deeper this year.
The interior looks solidified with Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino returning - two anchors who played a big role in Indiana’s title run. Add in Joe Hjelle, a transfer from Tulsa with size and production, and you’ve got a rotation that can wear down opposing offensive lines. Hjelle may not start, but he’s the kind of depth piece that championship teams lean on in November.
On the edges, things are a little more fluid - but in a good way. Daniel Ndukwe stepped up big when injuries hit last season, and now he’s joined by a trio of transfers that bring both talent and pedigree.
Joshua Burnham comes over from Notre Dame, while Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsami arrive from Kansas State. That’s a lot of power, speed, and experience coming off the edge.
Bryant Haines’ defense has emphasized strong line play since day one, and it’s paying off. How the rotation shakes out this spring will be something to watch, but make no mistake: this group has the potential to be one of the best in the Big Ten.
Wide Receivers: Reloaded and Ready
The Hoosiers lost some serious production with Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt moving on, but they didn’t waste any time reloading - and the new-look receiver room might be even more dynamic.
Nick Marsh, the Michigan State transfer, is the headliner. He’s got WR1 tools, Big Ten experience, and a knack for making plays downfield. Pair him with Charlie Becker - last year’s breakout star - and Indiana suddenly has two proven deep threats who can stretch the field and open up the offense.
Shazz Preston, coming in from Tulane, adds another layer. He was productive last year and brings versatility to the group.
And then there’s Tyler Morris. Before an ACL injury sidelined him, Morris was projected to be the starting slot receiver.
If he’s back to full speed, he gives Indiana a reliable inside option with strong hands and quickness in space.
That trio - Marsh, Becker, and Morris - gives quarterback Josh Hoover three legitimate weapons with Big Ten experience. And with Indiana’s offensive system thriving under Mike Shanahan and Tino Sunseri, there’s a good chance someone else from the depth chart emerges over the course of the season. Becker himself was that guy last year, and there's no reason another breakout can’t follow in 2026.
Final Thoughts
There’s still a long way to go before the season kicks off, but Indiana’s 2026 roster is already showing signs of being built for another deep run. The backup quarterback battle could shape the future of the program, the defensive line is stacked with both returning talent and new faces, and the wide receiver room looks ready to pick up right where it left off - or maybe take things to another level.
Spring ball will give us more clarity, but one thing’s already clear: the Hoosiers aren’t resting on last year’s success. They’re reloading - and they’re coming back hungry.