There's no denying that quarterback is the most important position in football. Quarterbacks are responsible for running the offense, reading the defense, and knowing exactly what every single player on the field is doing on every single play. A team's success is significant dictated by quarterback play.
As Indiana prepares to embark on its National Championship-defending season, Josh Hoover is set to follow in the footsteps of Heisman Trophy-winner Fernando Mendoza as QB1 of the Hoosiers. It's no easy task, but Hoover has the experience and skill set to thrive in Bloomington.
While Hoover's performance will go a long way in how Indiana fares this upcoming season, there are three other players who are sure to have a huge impact on the Hoosiers' season.
OT Carter Smith
If Hoover is going to have a solid season as Indiana's QB1, protecting him will be of the utmost importance. Carter Smith plays a leading role in that assignment. Smith has been arguably the most reliable offensive lineman in all of college football over the last few seasons. He has made 41 consecutive starts at left tackle for the Hoosiers dating back to the 2023 season, and was an integral key to keeping Mendoza upright during his Heisman campaign.
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Smith has been dominant during his time in Bloomington, as he's allowed just 4 sacks over 2,516 snaps in his collegiate career. The 6'5" 308-pound lineman became the first Hoosier to win the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award last season, and he is poised for another monster campaign as a senior in 2026.
WR Charlie Becker
Indiana WR Charlie Becker didn't make his first start of the season until Week 9 against UCLA, but he was a dominant receiving force after that. Down the stretch, Becker totaled 27 catches for 522 yards and 3 touchdown over IU's final 7 games of the season. In total, Becker totaled 34 catches for 679 yards and 4 touchdowns during Indiana's title-winning season.
Looking ahead, Becker has a chance to be one of the best receivers in college football in 2026. He owns a strong 6'4" 205-pound frame, and he excels at making contested catches down the field. He is a deep-ball threat on every play, and has proven he can shine brightest in the biggest moments.
DL Tyrique Tucker
On the defensive side of the ball, DL Tyrique Tucker will undoubtedly be a name to follow this season. Tucker earned Third-Team AP All-America honors last season after racking up 40 total tackles, 6.0 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups. He was one of the most effective interior pass rushers in all of college football, as his 6.0 sacks were the 3rd in the country and his 28 pressures were tied for 4th in the country among primary defensive tackles.
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Tucker is poised for an even bigger season in 2026. His explosiveness, low center of gravity, and solid change of direction give him the ability to have an impact on every play. The Hoosiers had one of the best defenses in the country last season, and if that is going to be the case again, Tucker is sure to play a big role.
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