Indiana's football season is just around the corner, and with the midway point of the offseason upon us, it's time to take a closer look at the Hoosiers' position groups and make some early predictions. As an expert commentator, I'll be offering my insights and opinions on each group, analyzing the potential outcomes and providing a deeper understanding of the team's prospects. So, let's dive into the analysis and explore what the future may hold for Indiana football.
Quarterback: Cherry's Chance to Shine
In the quarterback position, all eyes are on TCU transfer Josh Hoover, but it's the development of Tyler Cherry that could be a game-changer. After a successful return to the practice field during spring camp, Cherry is set to take the reins as QB2 and could appear in at least six games. With the attention now on him, Cherry has the potential to become the long-term heir under center. However, he'll need to overcome understandable rust and areas for growth. Personally, I think that Cherry's size and talent make him a strong candidate to succeed, but the competition will be fierce. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a young quarterback to step up and lead the team. If Cherry can develop rapport with Hoover and show consistent progress, he could be the key to Indiana's success this season.
Running Back: Martin's Breakout Season
Moving on to the running back position, Indiana's top-three backs could finish as the team leader in carries, yards, or touchdowns if they stay healthy. Among them, redshirt sophomore Khobie Martin is poised for a full-on breakout in 2026. With 505 yards and six touchdowns on just 78 carries last season, Martin showcased an array of skills that should translate in a bigger role. A promising spring camp only heightened Martin's expectations, and he could be in line for significant playing time this fall. At 6-foot and 207 pounds, Martin is IU's biggest back and the ideal prototype for short-yardage, goal-line carries. If he can maintain his physical running style, Martin could be the option No. 1 for finishing drives and punching in touchdowns.
Wide Receiver: Morris' Time to Shine
Replacing first-round NFL Draft pick Omar Cooper Jr. at slot receiver won't be easy, but Tyler Morris is ready to step up. After an ACL injury during 2025 spring camp, Morris made his return this spring and looked just as explosive and dynamic as he was pre-injury. With Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh commanding significant attention on the outside, Morris should have the opportunity to win one-on-one routes and use his playmaking ability to rack up yards-after-catch in a hurry. Morris has never exceeded more than 23 catches, 248 receiving yards, or two receiving touchdowns in a single season. If he remains durable and develops rapport with Hoover, there's a strong chance he'll eclipse those marks in 2026.
Tight End: Barker's Potential Breakthrough
More questions than answers surround Indiana's tight ends, but redshirt freshman Andrew Barker is at the top of the list for breakout candidates. After receiving significant first-team offensive reps in the spring and building up his body to compete in the Big Ten, Barker is set to become Indiana's top pass-blocking tight end. While Miami transfer Brock Schott might ultimately steal the headlines with his receiving production, Indiana's past offenses have thrived with block-first tight ends. Barker's high school experience as an in-line tight end, coupled with learning from Riley Nowakowski last season, sets him up for a potentially important role this fall.
Offensive Line: The NFL Pipeline
Indiana is set to graduate four projected offensive line starters after the 2026 season, but the bigger storyline is where all four linemen end up post-college. At this point, it would be a bigger surprise than not if all four weren't selected in the 2027 NFL Draft. Carter Smith, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, is already receiving first-round projections and is almost guaranteed to be drafted. The same can be said about coveted Wisconsin transfer Joe Brunner, who's played at an All-Big Ten level for multiple years. If Drew Evans and Bray Lynch can build upon two seasons of starting experience and finish their college careers strong, then IU's quartet should all hear their names called next April.
Edge: Kansas State Transfers Step Up
Kansas State products Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor are direct examples of Indiana reaping the benefits of success. A few years ago, IU could've only hoped for pass-rushers of their caliber to show interest in the Hoosiers. Now it's a reality, and Osunsanmi and Obiazor are two of the most physically and athletically impressive EDGE players that Indiana has brought to Bloomington. Osunsanmi is expected to fill Mikail Kamara's void at the Stud position, potentially setting up for more one-on-one pass-rush opportunities on the blindside. If the talent and twitch translate, a career year in sacks could be awaiting Osunsanmi. Obiazor, at 6-foot-5 and 279 pounds, should have defensive coordinator Bryant Haines salivating at the thought of a potentially dominant run-stopper.
Defensive Tackle: Landino's Rising Star
All-American Tyrique Tucker will command much of the spotlight on the interior defensive line, but that just means Mario Landino could continue to fly under the radar and take opposing offenses by surprise. The junior has improved significantly each of his first two years, culminating in six tackles for loss and five sacks last season with the help of defensive tackles coach Pat Kuntz. Assuming Landino's development remains on an upward trajectory, it will be hard to deny him All-Big Ten honors by the end of the 2026 season.
Linebacker: Hardy's All-American Potential
Several high-profile names dominated the headlines last season, but it was Rolijah Hardy who led Indiana in tackles (102) and sacks (8). While Hardy earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after his big year, there was still a sense that Hardy wasn't given his full due by the national media and outsiders. With Fisher and multiple former defensive stars gone, the focus now shifts to Hardy in 2026, which means All-American accolades could be on the way if Hardy continues his uber-productive play.
Cornerback: Gandy and Harris' Dual Impact
Until Indiana officially decides on a starting cornerback to play opposite of returning starter Jamari Sharpe, it's difficult to say for sure which one of Ryland Gandy or Penn State transfer A.J. Harris will make the bigger impact. But while that position battle plays out during fall camp, a scenario that hasn't been considered much is the possibility of using both Gandy and Harris on defense, regardless of which player wins the starting job. If Indiana feels that both Gandy and Harris are starter-worthy players, along with Sharpe, then personnel adjustments might need to be made. That could mean moving one of them to nickel corner or consistently rotating both as boundary corners.
Safety: Ferrell and Zachman's Interception Duo
Louis Moore and Amare Ferrell already achieved the double-digit interceptions feat last season, hauling in 10 total interceptions between the two of them. Why not do it again with Ferrell returning and former Wisconsin ball-hawk Preston Zachman entering the mix? Ferrell's eight career interceptions is tied for second-most among active FBS players. Zachman is right behind Ferrell with seven career interceptions. Assuming their opportunistic play fits together in IU's secondary, then there's a clear path to double-digit interceptions for a second-straight season.
Special Teams: Radicic's Accurate Kicking
Nico Radicic said his goal is to become the NCAA's most accurate kicker in history. It's obviously a lofty goal, but one that Radicic has proven to be attainable after missing just two field goals in 31 career attempts (93.5% conversion rate). After seeing Radicic nail a 50-yard field goal during IU's spring game, and with the body of work he's already put together entering his redshirt junior season, there's no reason Radicic shouldn't add two-time Big Ten Kicker of the Year to his list of goals, too.
