Fall camp has concluded, which means Week 1 is here! The wait for Hoosier football is almost over, as Curt Cignetti and company are set to open the new campaign this Saturday against North Texas.
The competition was fierce all throughout fall camp, as returners and newcomers alike battled for their respective spots on Indiana's Week 1 depth chart. Here is a look at four players who have their stock pointed upward heading into Saturday's season-opener.
Adedamola Ajani - Right guard
Indiana's offensive line is loaded with experienced talent and veteran leadership. During Big Ten Media Days, Cignetti stated that the Hoosier offensive line would consist of LT Carter Smith, LG Drew Evans, C Bray Lynch, RG Adedamola Ajani, and RT Joe Brunner. All of those projected starters are fifth-year seniors, with the exception of Ajani. But the redshirt sophomore isn't letting his relative inexperience slow him down.
Last season, Ajani gave the Hoosiers valuable versatility and depth as he made starts at both left and right guard and then played 46 snaps at right tackle in the CFP National Championship Game against Miami (FL). Moving forward, Cignetti expects Ajani to hold down the right guard spot in 2026. "I think he feels a little more comfortable there," Cignetti said at Big Ten Media Days on July 30. "And he played better at guard than tackle last year when he went into games." Ajani has held down the right guard spot all throughout fall camp, and is poised to get the starting nod.
Khobie Martin - Running back
The Khobie Martin hype train is very real. Martin was the third RB on Indiana's depth chart last season behind Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. Both Hemby and Black eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, while Martin collected 505 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. With Hemby and Black now off to the NFL, Martin is primed for a breakout role.
ESPN agrees, as Martin is the first name featured on ESPN's list of potential breakout players in 2026. Martin has taken a more dedicated approach to his diet and training, which has him feeling better than ever. He is a big-play threat on every snap, as he totaled four games with 50+ rushing yards and a pair of 100-yard performances despite never seeing more than 12 carries in a game. Well-positioned for a more steady workload, Martin could be on the verge of something special this season.
Tobi Osunsanmi - EDGE
Tobi Osunsanmi comes to Indiana after four seasons at Kansas State. He was in line for a career-year in 2025, but a season-ending injury cut his campaign short after just six games. But when he was on the field, he was dominant. In those six contests, the 6'2" 250-pound playmaker totaled 6.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in just 6 games. Now, a career-season could be looming in Bloomington.
Osunsanmi is in line to be one of Indiana's starting defensive linemen at the EDGE position. He is extremely versatile, and has elite speed and athleticism for his size. He also has great strength that allows him to overpower the opposition in the trenches. Put all that together and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines could have a star in the making on his hands.
Bray Lynch - Center
Bray Lynch is no stranger to Indiana football fans. He has been with the program since 2022, and played a major role in helping Indiana win the national title last season by starting all 16 games at right guard. But heading into the 2026 season, Lynch has a new position.
Lynch will be Indiana's starting center, taking over for beloved Hoosier Pat Coogan. When Lynch was sidelined with an injury during the spring, Drew Evans filled in at center. But throughout fall camp it became clear that Lynch will be handing the center responsibilities while Evans goes to left guard. Lynch's veteran leadership and familiarity with IU's offensive system should serve him well this season.
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