Indiana Hoosiers Face Three Key Position Battles as Fall Camp Intensifies
The Indiana Hoosiers have entered the third week of fall camp as they continue preparations for the 2026 college football season.
Several spots on the depth chart appear to be settled, with Josh Hoover firmly established as the starting quarterback and much of the offensive line seemingly set. However, a number of starting jobs remain open, while several projected starters are facing serious competition from teammates making strong pushes up the depth chart.
Here are three projected starters who still have plenty to prove during fall camp.
CB A.J. Harris
Jamari Sharpe is expected to play a major role in Indiana’s secondary after his strong performance last season, but the other starting cornerback spot remains up for grabs. Penn State transfer A.J. Harris currently appears to have the advantage over returning Hoosier Ryland Gandy.
Harris brings significant experience to the competition. He has appeared in 34 games and made 26 starts during his time at Georgia and Penn State. He also enters the season following an impressive 2025 campaign that earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.
Still, Gandy is making his case. He played in all 16 games during Indiana’s national championship-winning season last year and provided valuable depth in the secondary. Gandy finished the season with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss despite receiving limited opportunities.
With a larger role now within reach, Gandy has emerged as a legitimate challenger to Harris and could make the race for the starting job much closer.
RB Turbo Richard
Indiana’s running back rotation could be one of the more intriguing position battles to watch during camp. Boston College transfer Turbo Richard is expected to play a prominent role after rushing for 749 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and scoring nine touchdowns last season.
However, Richard isn’t guaranteed to dominate the backfield workload. Redshirt sophomore Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr. are both returning and have the ability to carve out substantial roles in 2026.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan have shown a willingness to utilize multiple running backs over the past two seasons, making this deep and talented group particularly intriguing.
Martin enters camp after producing 505 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 78 carries last season. He also appears to be making noticeable strides during camp.
Beebe could also become a significant contributor. He rushed for 209 yards and a touchdown last season before a season-ending injury limited him to just three games.
WR Shazz Preston
Indiana has built considerable depth at wide receiver, led by returning standout Charlie Becker and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh. Together, they have the potential to form one of the most dangerous receiving duos in college football.
Tulane transfer Shazz Preston currently appears to be the favorite for the No. 3 receiver role, but the competition behind the top two is far from settled.
Preston led Tulane last season in receptions with 43, receiving yards with 723 and receiving touchdowns with four. He averaged an impressive 16.8 yards per catch and recorded a 69-yard reception.
Even with that production, Preston faces a strong challenge from Morris, who arrived at Indiana after four seasons at Michigan.
Morris missed the entire 2025 season because of injury but is now competing for a consistent role in Indiana’s passing game. He was part of Michigan’s 2023 national championship team and followed that up with 23 receptions for a team-best 248 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
Michigan’s passing attack struggled that season, but Morris now finds himself in a potentially more favorable offensive environment at Indiana. His strong performances during fall camp have put him firmly in the conversation for the No. 3 receiver position.
If Morris continues to build momentum, Preston could have a legitimate battle on his hands before the Hoosiers finalize their starting lineup.
