One of the biggest strengths of the Indiana Hoosiers under Curt Cignetti's leadership has been health. Cignetti has an effective plan in place to protect players' bodies throughout the season, which has led to limited injuries and a big health advantage over their opponents over the last 2.5+ seasons. The Hoosiers have been at their best in the biggest moments, and being fresh and healthy has played a big role in that success.
For the most part, Indiana has been healthy in the 2026 season. Some players have missed time here and there, with the biggest loss coming in Week 1 when RB Khobie Martin broke his forearm before even seeing a carry. But generally speaking, the Hoosiers have had relatively clean injury reports through the first eight weeks of the season.
The first Big Ten Football availability report for Week 9 was released on Wednesday night. Two Hoosiers have already been ruled out, while a third is listed as questionable:
Indiana Football Week 9 Injury Report
OUT:
WR Davion Chandler
DL Kellan Wyatt
QUESTIONABLE:
DB Quan Sanks
PROBABLE:
QB Josh Hoover
The biggest name that popped up on the Week 9 injury report is QB Josh Hoover. The IU quarterback apparently played through an injury last weekend against Michigan. The Hoosiers won 13-6 in an offensive struggle and Hoover struggled all throughout the game. In total, he completed just 8 of his 18 pass attempts for 81 yards, and also threw his first interception of the season. He didn't look like himself, and a nagging injury could provide some explanation.
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After the Michigan game, Cignetti stated that the coaching staff discussed the possibility of putting backup QB Grant Wilson into the game. Hoover was having a rough outing, and the IU offense couldn't get much of anything going against a stout Michigan defensive front. But in the end, Cignetti and company figured that Hoover gave Indiana the best chance to win.
Looking ahead, Hoover is listed as probable for this weekend's matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. That is certainly a good sign, and Hoover's health will undoubtedly be monitored closely over the next few days before kick-off. Several more injury reports will be released before gametime rolls around, and Hoosier football fans will be keeping a close eye on Hoover's status.
Getting Hoover back to 100% health is vital for Indiana's hopes of putting together another College Football Playoff run. On the season, Hoover has completed 62.0% of his passes for 1,741 yards and 18 touchdowns with just one interception. He hasn't been overly mobile, but he's made plays with his legs when needed, amassing 52 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Kick-off between the Hoosiers and Golden Gophers is set for Noon ET on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.
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