The 2026 college football season is here! Week 0 features 8 games today, while things really open up next week with a full slate of games in Week 1. The Indiana Hoosiers open the new season against North Texas on September 5.
Heading into the new season, plenty of new faces are in Bloomington. Curt Cignetti and company lost several big-name players from last year's title team to the NFL, most notably Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza took the college football world by storm last year, and became a household name in the process.
Here is a look at five Hoosiers who could become household names across the country in 2026. Indiana fans already know these names well, but fans around the nation may need to get familiar quickly.
QB Josh Hoover
Josh Hoover is the most obvious selection for this list. Taking over for Mendoza, Hoover is already receiving a significant amount of attention this offseason. Following in the footsteps of a Hoosier legend like Mendoza comes with plenty of pressure, but Hoover is poised to handle it. After starting 31 games and throwing for nearly 10,000 yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU, Hoover has the experience, talent, and leadership to become a big-time player in Bloomington.
WR Charlie Becker
Hoosier WR Charlie Becker has already made a name for himself on the gridiron. Becker played a vital role in Indiana's CFP title run, coming up with multiple big catches and memorable moments on the biggest stage. However, it wasn't until the UCLA game on October 25 when he started to make a big impact. Plus, both Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. were putting up big numbers themselves. They are both off to the NFL, which opens the door for Becker to take on a leading role from the jump. Already garnering first round NFL Draft hype, there's no denying that Becker has a great chance of becoming a household name this season.
WR Nick Marsh
Nick Marsh has yet to play a game with Indiana, but it's hard not to be excited about what he brings to the table. Marsh was one of the most coveted wide receivers in the transfer portal, and Cignetti secured a big win by bringing him over from Michigan State. Marsh was MSU's leading receiver over the past two seasons, but was a part of a Spartan program that struggled mightily––especially in the passing game. Naturally, he never got much national attention. That could change this season now that he is in a much better position to thrive.
DT Tyrique Tucker
Few defensive linemen in college football made a bigger impact that Tyrique Tucker last season. Tucker collected 6.0 sacks, which was tied for third nationally among primary defensive tackles. He returns for one final season of college football, and brings 42 games of experience to the table. ESPN ranked Tucker as the No. 21 overall player in the country in its Top-100 preseason player rankings, which is insanely high praise for a defensive tackle. He is once again primed to be one of the best defensive players in the country this season.
LB Rolijah Hardy
LB Rolijah Hardy was making plays all over the field last season, and he should be able to do the same in 2026. Hardy paced the Hoosiers with 8.0 sacks and 103 total tackles last season, and he returns to anchor the Hoosiers' linebacker core in their title-defending season. With his reliable production and experience, Hardy has a chance to establish himself as one of the Big Ten's most disruptive linebackers this season.
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