The Indiana Hoosiers have missed out on the NCAA Tournament in eight of the last 10 years. For a program with as much rich history and success as Indiana, that is simply unacceptable.
The big news in the college basketball world heading into the new season is that the tournament has expanded once again. The NCAA Tournament field now features 76 teams. The Hoosiers were on the bubble all throughout last season, but a 1-6 stretch to close the season doomed their March Madness dreams. In a bigger 76-team field, perhaps Indiana would have gotten in.
But this year the Hoosiers want to leave no doubt.
Indiana among Joe Lunardi's NCAA Tournament field in preseason projections
With the start of the new season just days away, preseason bracketology predictions are making the rounds all over the place. ESPN's Joe Lunardi has revealed his initial tournament projections, so let's take a look at how he predicts Indiana will land.
According to Lunardi's preseason bracketology projections, Indiana is slated as a No. 9 seed. Lunardi has the Hoosiers facing off against the 8th-seeded Auburn Tigers in the Round of 64. That would be an interesting matchup to watch unfold, as Auburn is coming off an NIT title last season.
Placed in the South Region, Indiana is also in a group with No. 1 overall seed Florida, while Central Arkansas and Howard would battle for the No. 16 seed. Having to play the top-seeded Gators in the Round of 32 would certainly be a tough draw for Darian DeVries and company.
Darian DeVries eyeing bounce back season in Year 2 at Indiana
Heading into Year 2 of his tenure in Bloomington, DeVries won't do himself any favors by missing the NCAA Tournament again in 2026-27. In an expanded 76-team tournament field, making it to March Madness may be considered the bare minimum of expectations for DeVries in his second season.
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The Hoosiers went out and brought in a talented transfer portal class that has plenty of potential. Indiana's portal haul is full of players with multiple years of high-major experience, which is a stark contrast from last year's portal additions. The frontcourt also got a big boost with 6'11" power forward Aiden Sherrell from Alabama and 7'2" center Samet Yigitoglu transferring in from SMU. The frontcourt was a major weakness for Indiana last season, but Sherrell and Yigitoglu are strong pieces that can turn things around in a major way.
Indiana's group of incoming freshmen also look extremely promising. Prince-Alexander Moody and Trevor Manhertz could see steady playing time from the jump. With returners Trent Sisley and Sam Alexis in the mix, the roster appears to be in much better shape now than it was at this point last year.
The talent seems to be there. Not it's up to DeVries and his staff to put it all together. Indiana starts the new season this coming Monday, November 2 with a matchup against Eastern Illinois at Assembly Hall.
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