We are officially less than two weeks away from Indiana's regular season opener against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 2. The Hoosiers have already played a pair of exhibition games against Butler and North Carolina, with a final exhibition matchup against Western Kentucky slated for Sunday, Oct. 25.
Those two exhibition contests have given us a solid glimpse at what could be in store for this season. Hopefully that's the case, as the Hoosiers have put forth a pair of impressive performances in wins against the Bulldogs and Tar Heels.
With the regular season getting closer and closer, now is the perfect time to project the starting five and rotation that we could see when the season officially begins. Here's a look at what Indiana's depth chart could look like in 2026-27.
Point guard
Starter: Markus Burton
Rotational options: Bryce Lindsay, Prince Alexander-Moody
Bench depth: Justin Monden
There seems to be little debate about who Indiana's starting point guard will be this season. Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton was one of the ACC's most prolific scorers over the past three seasons, and he figures to take over leading the Hoosier frontcourt in 2026-27. He started both exhibition games at point guard.
Bryce Lindsay is a versatile guard who can play the 1-3 spots, and could find himself with some playing time at point guard when Burton isn't on the floor. Freshman Prince-Alexander Moody can also operate the point guard position when called upon. Maryland Eastern Shore transfer Justin Monden is a depth piece.
Shooting guard
Starter: Darren Harris
Rotational options: Bryce Linsday, Prince-Alexander Moody
Bench depth: Drew Snively
Darren Harris seems to be in line for a starting spot at one of the wings. DeVries' loves Harris' shooting range, and has already said that he has "the ultimate green light." Harris averaged just 8.3 minutes of playing time per game across 57 appearances at Duke over the past two seasons, but is in line for a much bigger role with the Hoosiers.
While he may not start, Lindsay should get plenty of playing time this season. The Villanova transfer exploded for a team-high 26 points coming off the bench against UNC over the weekend, which included going 4-for-9 from beyond the arc.
Small forward
Starter: Jaeden Mustaf
Rotational options: Darren Harris, Vaughn Karvala, Trevor Manhertz
Bench depth: Jordan Rayford, Ian Stephens
The argument can be made that small forward is Indiana's deepest position group heading into the new season. Georgia Tech transfer Jaeden Mustaf got the starting nod in the first two exhbition games, which seems to have him in the driver's seat to start the season opener against Eastern Illinois. With a 6'6" 215-pound frame, Mustaf is a physical rebounder, which could serve Indiana well on the wing.
Harris can play either spot on the wing, and incoming freshmen Vaughn Karvala and Trevor Manhertz have both been impressive in the preseason. Karvala is more athletic and better suited for the 3 spot, while Manhertz could see time at the 4. But both have great versatility which could come in handy.
Power forward
Starter: Aiden Sherrell
Rotational options: Sam Alexis, Trent Sisley, Trevor Manhertz, Jaeden Mustaf
Bench depth: Ben Winker
Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell leads a rebuilt Hoosier frontcourt in 2026-27. Sherrell was Indiana's highest-ranked portal addition over the offseason, and is considered to be one of the most impactful transfers in the country. He had 10 points and 9 rebounds against Butler, and then contributed 7 points and 10 rebounds against UNC.
Sam Alexis is currently seeking a fifth season of eligibility after the NCAA did not include class of 2022 athletes in its 5-for-5 rule. He played in the NBA Summer League for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but never signed a formal contract with the franchise. He is currently eligible for the upcoming season, but as we know, these eligibility rulings can turn on a dime.
Center
Starter: Samet Yigitoglu
Rotational options: Aiden Sherrell, Sam Alexis
Bench depth: Clemens Sokolov, Ben Winker
The addition of SMU center Samet Yigitoglu gives the Hoosiers the true center they desperately missed last season. With a 7'2" frame, Yigitoglu should greatly help Indiana's rebounding efforts on both ends of the floor and serve as a rim protector on the defensive end. Sherrell and Alexis are both capable of moving to the 5 if Yigitoglu gets into foul trouble.
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