Don't look now, but the new college football season is quickly approaching. Big Ten Media Days have concluded, which means that fall camp is next on the preseason agenda. For Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers, fall camp gets going this week on Wednesday, August 5.
Indiana's roster once again features plenty of talent, and it will be interesting to see how all of the pieces fall into place over the next month before the season opener against North Texas on September 5.
Here is a look at three Hoosiers who have the most to gain from fall camp.
CB Ryland Gandy
Ryland Gandy is no stranger to Hoosier football fans. After transferring in from Pittsburgh last offseason, Gandy appeared in all 16 games for Indiana during its National Championship-winning season. He spent most of the season as a rotational piece in IU's cornerback room playing behind D'Angelo Ponds and Amare Ferrell. Ponds is off to the NFL, and Ferrell is back and is slated for a starting role once again in 2026.
Projecting Indiana Football's 2026 depth chart before the start of fall camp
The other starting cornerback spot seems to be a battle between Gandy and Penn State transfer AJ Harris. Harris is garnering plenty of hype, but if Gandy can orchestrate a strong showing in fall camp, he could sneak up and claim that coveted second starting spot at cornerback.
EDGE Daniel Ndukwe
Defensive tackles Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino are both back, but Indiana's EDGE positions don't feature any returners. Cignetti brought in a pair of Kansas State transfers in Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor, and they figure to have plenty of opportunities to earn those starting roles. But Ndukwe shouldn't be counted out.
Curt Cignetti doesn't need to worry about critics of Indiana's non-conference schedule
Back in 2024, Ndukewe was one of just 12 true freshmen to debut in 2024 and one of five not to use a redshirt. That's especially impressive when considering how transfer-heavy that team was. Over the last two seasons, Ndukwe has appeared in 27 games which included playing a key role in Indiana's CFP run. He collected 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble last season. A strong fall camp could lead to him seeing an increased role in the Hoosier defensive front.
WR Shazz Preston
Indiana's WR group will undoubtedly be led by returner Charlie Becker and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh. Together, they can be the most lethal WR combination in the Big Ten––and maybe even in the entire country. But who will step up and grab that No. 3 WR spot? Tulane transfer Shazz Preston certainly has a great shot.
Preston enjoyed the best season of his collegiate career last year in New Orleans with Tulane. In total, the 6'0" 205-pound wideout led the Green Wave in catches (43), receiving yards (723), and receiving touchdowns (4). He also paced the Tulane with 16.8 yards per catch average and had a long of 69 yards. Preston was a reliable target, as he collected at least one catch in all 14 games and had 2+ catches in each of his last 12 games. He also shined on the biggest stage by racking up 125 yards on 5 catches in the College Football Playoff against Ole Miss. A strong fall camp could lead to solidify Preston as the No. 3 WR on Indiana's depth chart.
Add us as a preferred source on Google