In today's age of college football, knowing how to successfully use the portal during roster construction is a must-have skill for all head coaches out there. Curt Cignetti has utilized the transfer portal extremely effectively during his tenure at the helm of the Indiana football program. His strong portal moves over the last two seasons have led to an overall record of 27-2 to go along with a Big Ten title and historic National Championship this past season.
As vital as the portal is, recruiting from the high school ranks remains essential as well. As it stands, Indiana's 2027 recruiting class features just four players: 4-star CB Monsanna Torbert Jr, 3-star QB Jameson Purcell, 3-star LB Garyon Hobbs, and 3-star OT Jeremiah Jones. The class is currently ranked No. 49 in the country by 247Sports, but Cignetti is working hard to improve that ranking.
Indiana among top-8 finalists for 4-star IOL Dominic Black
One player Cignetti and his staff have their eyes on is 4-star IOL Dominic Black. Hailing from New Madison, OH, Black is quickly becoming a top recruiting target, and the Hoosiers extended him an offer last week on April 24.
Black is now down to eight finalists, and Indiana is firmly in the mix. Along with IU, Black is still considering North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Tennessee, Kentucky, and NC State.
🚨NEWS🚨 4-star IOL Dominic Black is down to Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Michigan State, Tennessee, and NC State, @GregSmithRivals reports‼️
— Rivals (@Rivals) April 29, 2026
Read: https://t.co/zqN6Evhgcf pic.twitter.com/EIJHB3bvmS
Owning a 6'5" 290-pound frame, Black is ranked as the No. 5 player in the state of Ohio by 247Sports. Nationally, he is ranked as the No. 18 offensive tackle and No. 125 overall prospect in the country.
Black's skill set is described by 247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks as combining "impressive shot put prowess with uncommon functional athleticism, body control, and skill on the basketball court relative to size/body type."
Along with being a stand-out on the gridiron, Black also plays basketball and competes in track and field at Tri-Village High School in Ohio.
As Cignetti continues to build Indiana's 2-27 recruiting class, landing Black would give the class much-needed OL depth.
Add us as a preferred source on Google