Fall camp has started for the Indiana Hoosiers, and several new faces are looking to make a strong first impression.
On the defensive side of the ball, Curt Cignetti landed several impact transfers over the offseason that have tremendous potential in Bloomington. Those additions provide upgrades and depth at several positions, which puts Bryant Haines' defense in a great spot heading into the new season.
Here is a look at five defensive transfers who are poised to make a instant impact in fall camp.
EDGE Tobi Osunsanmi
Tobi Osunsanmi is one of two Kansas State transfers who figure to take on a large role in Indiana's defense this season. Osunsanmi is a 6'2" 250-pound EDGE rusher who seems to be in line for a starting role on the Hoosier defensive front. He racked up 6.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in just 6 games last season before suffering a season-ending injury, and now back at full health, is looking to take on a leading role.
EDGE Chiddi Obiazor
Chiddi Obiazor is the other Kansas State transfer now on Indiana's defensive front. Also an EDGE rushers, Obiazor owns a 6'5" 279-pound frame and is comes to Bloomington after a productive career in Manhattan. Over three seasons with the Wildcats, he appeared in 28 games and earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors last season. The year prior, Obiazor claimed Honorable Mention Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors by the conference's coaches.
CB AJ Harris
One of Indiana's starting cornerback spots will likely go to Amare Ferrell. The other one appears to be up for grabs heading into fall camp, and Penn State transfer AJ Harris will be looking to cement his name into that role. Harris is a former 5-star prospect and was the No. 2 cornerback in the 2023 recruiting class. He spent one season at Georgia before transferring to Penn State, and is coming off a junior season in which he was an All-Big Ten defensive honorable mention in 2025. Looking to prove himself early on in fall camp, Harris is a name worth watching.
S Preston Zachman
Preston Zachman is entering his seventh year of college football. He spent the first six up in Madison with the Wisconsin Badgers, and has appeared in 35 games with 20 starts at safety. He began last season in impressive fashion, collecting a pair of interceptions in the season opener against Miami (OH). However, Zachman would play in just three games before suffering a season-ending injury. Now healthy and with a new team, Zachman will look to carve out a role in the Hoosier defensive backfield.
EDGE Joshua Burnham
Joshua Burnham comes to Indiana via Notre Dame. Owning a 6'4" 260-pound frame, Burnham figures to play a role in Indiana's deep defensive line. The biggest moments of Burnham's career so far came in the 2025 CFP National Championship Game with Notre Dame. Playing on the biggest stage, he collected 2.0 sacks against Ohio State. Last season, he played in all 12 games and finished the season with 16.0 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google