Indiana Football has holes to fill in the transfer portal. What direction do the Hoosiers go?
It was a foregone conclusion that there would be an exodus of players when Indiana decided to part ways with head coach Tom Allen. Twenty-four players have entered the transfer portal since Allen left the program. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has committed to Cincinnati. Wide receiver Donaven McCulley has several suitors.
There is also demand for safety Phillip Dunnam in the portal.
Indiana introduced new head coach Curt Cignetti last Friday. The former James Madison head coach has had no choice but to hit the ground running. He and his growing staff have to address needs via the transfer portal and attempt to salvage some semblance of a high school recruiting class.
Indiana football has to address these positions in the portal.
Offensive and Defensive Line:
Finding quality linemen in the portal is difficult. However, Indiana has done an excellent job of finding them through the early years of the portal era. Lanell Carr finished second in sacks transferred from West Virginia. Zack Carpenter and Matthew Bedford, stalwarts on the offensive line, were also transfers.
Seven offensive and defensive linemen have entered their names in the transfer portal thus far. Indiana needs to find some bodies in the portal for depth.
Quarterback:
With Sorsby’s departure, there is a void at quarterback. Tennessee Tayven Jackson, who lost the job, is still on the roster, as is Broc Lowry. However, Cignett’s former quarterback at JMU, Jordan McCloud, entered the portal. He could join his now-former head coach in Bloomington. Having his former quarterback with him at IU could pay early returns as the football program switches regimes.
Wide Receiver:
Losing a talent like Donaven McCulley is no small thing. McCulley led the team in receptions. The second leading receiver, Dequece Carter, had 21 fewer receptions. Indiana needs a dynamic perimeter playmaker to replace McCulley.