With Fernando Mendoza leading the way, the Indiana offense got plenty of national attention last season during its national title run. Deservedly so, as Mendoza orchestrated the best season in IU football history en route to winning the Heisman Trophy.
But don't forget about the defense. Indiana's defensive unit was among the best in the country, ranking 2nd in points allowed per game (11.7), 4th in yards per game allowed (266), and 3rd in turnovers created (30). Looking ahead to new upcoming 2026 season, the Hoosiers have a great chance to possess a dominating defense once again. Multiple key contributors from last year's campaign are back, while several new faces join the mix via the transfer portal.
Returning sack production is a major strength for the Indiana defense
It's not a stretch to say that the Hoosiers could have the most talented and deepest defensive front in all of college football. Indiana returns four of its top-five sack leaders from a season ago, which is rare in today's age of college football.
In the trenches, Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino are both back after sensational campaigns last season. Tucker was among the best defensive linemen in the country, as his 6.0 sacks were the 3rd in the country and his 28 pressures were tied for 4th among primary defensive tackles. Back for one more season, Tucker is once again poised to wreak havoc on the Hoosier defensive front.
Indiana offense preview: Plenty of new faces looking to keep the train rolling
Linebacker Rolijah Hardy led the way with 8.0 sacks last year, while fellow linebacker Isaiah Jones wasn't far behind with 7.0 sacks of his own. Together, Hardy and Jones make up a dynamic linebacker duo for IU that should be expected to shine in 2026.
A pair of Kansas State transfers enter the mix with plenty of potential
Along with reliable returning production, the Hoosier defense front got some solid additions through the transfer portal. Curt Cignetti went out and brought in Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor from Kansas State, and both figure to occupy Indiana's starting EDGE spots to start the season. Their arrival in Bloomington makes the Hoosier pass rush even more dangerous.
Osunsanmi is on breakout watch after racking up 6.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in just 6 games last season before his season was cut short due to injury. Obiazor appeared in 28 games over three seasons in Manhattan, and was given All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition last year after collecting 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
The secondary has some big names to replace
The Hoosiers lost a couple of stars in the defensive backfield. Cornerback D'Angelo Ponds and safety Louis Moore both played key roles in Indiana's National Championship-winning season, and replacing them won't be easy.
The good news is that both cornerback Jamari Sharpe and safety Amare Ferrell are back. Sharpe cemented his name in college football lore by securing Indiana's national title with a 4th quarter interception in the championship game against Miami (FL). Ferrell has 41 appearances with 28 starts during his Indiana career, and he is primed to be IU's top safety this season.
Penn State transfer A.J. Harris is expected to take on the other starting cornerback role, while Wisconsin transfer Preston Zachman figures to join Ferrell at safety.
Projected starting 11 for Indiana's defense in Week 1
With a solid mix of returning talent and new additions via the transfer portal, the Hoosier defense has a chance to be elite again in 2026. Here is a look at the projected starting 11 for Indiana's defensive unit in Week 1 against North Texas.
DT: Tyriq Tucker, redshirt senior
DT: Mario Landino, junior
EDGE: Tobi Osunsanmi, redshirt junior
EDGE: Chiddi Obiazor, redshirt junior
LB: Rolijah Hardy, junior
LB: Isaiah Jones, redshirt senior
CB: Jamari Sharpe, redshirt senior
CB: A.J. Harris, senior
CB: Byron Baldwin, sophomore
S: Amare Ferrell, senior
S: Preston Zachman, redshirt senior
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