Led by Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana offense garnered plenty of attention last season. Deservedly so, as Mendoza put forth a tremendous Heisman Trophy-winning season and players like Omar Cooper Jr, Elijah Sarratt, and Charlie Becker became household names in the college football world.
But don’t forget how dominant the Indiana defense was during last year’s historic National Championship campaign. Indiana ranked 2nd in the country in scoring defense by allowing just 11.7 points per game. They also ranked 4th nationally by allowing just 266.0 total yds of offense per game and 3rd nationally with a turnover differential of +29.
Looking ahead, Indiana’s defense has a great chance to show out once again in 2026. This week, the preseason hype continued to roll in for the Hoosier defense.
2 Hoosiers named to Lott Trophy Watch List for the nation’s top defensive player
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded each season to the most outstanding defensive player in all of college football. Heading into Indiana’s title-defending season, both DT Tyrique Tucker and CB Jamari Sharpe have been named to the Lott Trophy Watch List.
Tucker was a key part of Indiana’s strong pass rush last season. In total, the 6’0″ 307-pound lineman racked up 40 tackles to go along with 12 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks. For his efforts, he was named First-Team All-Big Ten by the league’s coaches and media, as well as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.
Sharpe is set to enter his third consecutive season as a starting cornerback for the Hoosiers. This past season, he started all 16 games and collected 50 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, four force fumbles and one interception. His most iconic moment of the season, Sharpe came up with the game-sealing interception in the CFP National Championship against Miami (FL). After such a huge moment, the 6’1″ 188-pound DB seems poised for another strong campaign in 2026.
Indiana’s defense can be elite again in 2026
After such a dominating defensive campaign last season, Indiana’s defense enters the new season with plenty of expectations once again.
Up front, the Hoosiers ranked 2nd in the country with 46.0 total sacks last season. Plenty of that production is returning, as four of IU’s top five sack leaders are set to return this fall. Along with Tucker, LB Rolijah Hardy, LB Isaiah Jones, and DL Mario Landino are all back, which gives the Hoosier pass rush plenty of potential this fall.
Along with a talented group of returners, the IU defensive line received some strong additions through the transfer portal. Additions on the defensive line include a pair of Kansas State EDGEs in Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor, Notre Dame EDGE Joshua Burnham, and Tulsa DT Joe Hjelle.
With CB D’Angelo Ponds and S Louis Moore out of the picture, it will be interesting to see how Indiana’s secondary comes together. Sharpe figures to be the leader, and portal additions in the secondary include Penn State CB A.J. Harris, Cincinnati S Quan Sanks, Montana State CB Carson Williams, and Wisconsin S Preston Zachman.
