It's no secret that Curt Cignetti has leaned heavily on the transfer portal throughout his time in Bloomington. That was the case again this offseason, but there are also a high number of returning players back from last year's National Championship-winning team.
In a roster loaded with talent up and down the depth chart, here is a look at 5 returning players who could shape what Indiana's 2026 season looks like.
WR Charlie Becker
Charlie Becker didn't make his first start of last season until October 25 against UCLA. Since then, he's emerged as one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. Becker played a vital role in Indiana's CFP run to a national title, as he delivered several big-time catches and memorable moments. He is back in 2026, and figures to lead an extremely talented and deep Hoosier WR core. Becker is poised to be a top target for TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover, and watching their connection will be exciting to see unfold.
CB Jamari Sharpe
Jamari Sharpe cemented his name in Indiana football lore with his game-sealing interception in the National Championship Game against Miami (FL). Sharpe's iconic moment capped arguably the best turnaround in college football history, and gave him the second interception of his career. With D'Angelo Ponds off to the NFL, Sharpe figures to take on a leading role in Indiana's CB room this season. He is set to enter his fifth season of college football, which have all come with the Hoosiers. In total, the Miami, FL native has appeared in 40 games, making 85 tackles and 14 pass brack-ups to go along with 4 forced fumbles.
LB Rolijah Hardy
After leading the Hoosiers with 8.0 sacks last season, LB Rolijah Hardy returns to Bloomington for his junior season. Hardy has emerged as one of the best tacklers in the Big Ten. He led the Hoosiers and ranked 9th nationally with 98 tackles during the regular season in 2025. He figures to be Indiana's defensive leader in the middle of the field, and he is primed for another monster season playing alongside fellow returning linebacker Isaiah Jones.
OL Bray Lynch
At this point in time, the starting center job is Bray Lynch's to lose. During Big Ten Media Days, Cignetti stated that while both Lynch and Drew Evans are capable of playing center, Lynch is expected to be the Week 1 starter. Lynch has appeared in 38 games with 29 starts for the Hoosiers, but he hasn't spent a substantial amount of time at center. Replacing Pat Coogan won't be easy, and as he navigates playing a new position day-in and day-out, the ceiling of the Hoosier offense relies heavily on Lynch's performance this season.
RB Khobie Martin
There's a strong possibility that Indiana's rushing attack consists of a three-headed monster between Boston College transfer Turbo Richard and returners Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr. Of that group, Martin is the most intriguing. He put together an impressive campaign last season as a redshirt freshman, totaling 505 yards and 6.5 yards per carry to go along with 6 rushing touchdowns. With Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black both off to the NFL, Martin should be in line for an increased role––even with Richard and Beebe Jr. both in the mix. No matter what the RB depth chart ends up looking like, there's no denying that Martin taking a big step forward would do wonders for Indiana's rushing attack this season.
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