The Indiana Hoosiers put up points in a hurry last season. In total, Indiana led the Big Ten and ranked 3rd in the country by averaging 41.6 points per game. The Hoosiers also averaged over 450 total yards of offense per contest while turning the ball over just 8 times in 16 games. No matter how you slice it, Indiana's offense was elite last season.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Hoosiers have plenty of new faces on the offensive side of the ball. Several big names from last season are off to the NFL, including QB Fernando Mendoza, RB Roman Hemby, RB Kaelon Black, WR Elijah Sarratt, WR Omar Cooper Jr, TE Riley Nowakowski, and C Pat Coogan. That leaves Curt Cignetti and his staff with plenty of reliable production to replace.
With so much turnover, it's reasonable to have some question marks heading into the new season. But Hoosier fans have plenty of faith in Cignetti, as well as offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan. Indiana's roster features a great mix of returning playmakers as well as big-name additions through the transfer portal, which means there is plenty of talent and potential to go around.
Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh lead Indiana's top-ranked portal class
Cignetti has become a mastermind when it comes to the transfer portal. He's struck gold via the portal while constructing his first two rosters in Bloomington, and that trend continued this offseason. Indiana brings in 17 total transfers which makes up the No. 1-ranked portal class in the country according to On3.
The class is led by QB Josh Hoover, who comes to Indiana after four seasons at TCU. In Fort Worth, Hoover started 31 games and threw for almost 10,000 yards to go along with 71 touchdowns. He was asked to do a lot for the Horned Frogs, but he now finds himself in a more complimentary situation. He shouldn't be expected to be Mendoza 2.0, but he is more than capable of keeping the offense rolling.
WR Nick Marsh is also a big addition. Marsh flew under the radar while being Michigan State's best wideout over the past two seasons, and he is now poised to break onto the national scene in Bloomington.
Indiana's WR depth is a major advantage
WR depth is expected to be a major advantage for Indiana this season. Charlie Becker returns after bursting on the scene during the second half of last season. Becker played a leading role in Indiana's CFP title run, and is now primed for a monster campaign. Together, Becker and Marsh have the potential to become the most lethal WR duo in all of college football.
ESPN’s attempt to find “the next Indiana” completely misses the mark
Michigan transfer Tyler Morris and Tulane transfer Shazz Preston add interesting dynamics to the Hoosier WR room as well. Morris is coming off an injury-riddled season, but he was Michigan's leading receiver two seasons ago. He put together a great fall camp and is in a greaet spot to be Indiana's WR3 this season. Preston has electrying speed and is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Other receivers who could also contribute include Lebron Bond and Davion Chandler.
Multiple running backs can shine for Indiana in 2026
At running back, the Hoosiers should once again be expected to feature multiple names on a frequent basis. Both Hemby and Black reached the 1,000-yard mark last season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see multiple RBs thrive once again. Boston College transfer Turbo Richard figures to take on a leading role after leading BC with 745 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, and 9 touchdowns on the ground last season.
Redshirt sophomore Khobie Martin is primed for a breakout season. The Fishers, IN native totaled 505 yards, 6.5 yards per carry, and 6 touchdowns on the ground as Indiana's RB3 a season ago. Last week, ESPN revealed its list of players ready for a major breakout in 2026, with Martin being the first name listed. Don't be surprised if Martin pushes for the 1,000-yard mark.
Lee Beebe Jr. can also be a solid contributor in the Hoosier backfield. Beebe played just 3 games a season ago before going down with a season-ending injury, racking up 209 yards on 27 carries with a touchdown in that span. Now healthy, he could form a three-headed monster in the Hoosiers' RB room this season.
The biggest question mark is tight end
Tight end is the biggest question mark for Indiana's offense this season. The group is vastly inexperienced, as all five TEs on the roster are either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen. Furthermore, Indiana's TE room has just 17 snaps of college football experience between them. Miami (FL) transfer Brock Schott has 16 of those. With a handful of unproven players, it will be interesting to see how the TE depth chart shakes out.
Indiana's offensive line is full of valuable experience
While the TE room is inexperienced, one thing Indiana football fans don't have to worry about is inexperience on the offensive line. Four of Indiana's five projected starters on the offensive line are fifth-year seniors. LT Carter Smith leads the way, as he is one of the top offensive linemen in the country and already garnering plenty of first round NFL Draft hype. Bray Lynch is slated to take over at center with Pat Coogan gone, and he is looking to provide a seamless transition at his new position. Joe Brunner is the lone incoming transfer projected to start, as he comes over after four seasons at Wisconsin. He has 39 appearances and 24 starts in his career.
Projected starting 11 for Indiana's offense in Week 1
There are plenty of new faces in town, but it's hard not to like how the IU offense looks on paper. With that in mind, here is a look at the projected starting 11 for Indiana's offense in Week 1 against North Texas.
QB: Josh Hoover, redshirt senior
RB: Turbo Richard, junior
WR: Charlie Becker, junior
WR: Nick Marsh, junior
WR: Tyler Morris, redshirt senior
TE: Brock Schott, redshirt freshman
LT: Carter Smith, redshirt senior
LG: Drew Evans, redshirt senior
C: Bray Lynch, redshirt senior
RG: Adedamola Ajani, redshirt sophomore
RT: Joe Brunner, redshirt senior
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