Indiana University’s secondary will look markedly different in 2026 after the loss of D'Angelo Ponds, the standout cornerback who dominated the 2025 season with just 18 receptions allowed and earned multiple All‑American honors.
Ponds has taken his talents to the NFL, signing with the New York Jets after being drafted in the second round, leaving a void that the Hoosiers must fill.
Sharpe Steps Into the Starting Role
Jamari Sharpe is slated to inherit the starting cornerback spot, having shown flashes of playmaking ability in limited snaps last season. Coaches praise his agility and ball‑hawking instincts, and they expect him to build on that foundation.
New Faces in the Mix
AJ Harris, a transfer from Penn State, brings experience from the Big Ten and is expected to compete for the other starting cornerback position. Ryland Gandy, a returner who has logged significant defensive snaps, is also in the conversation, giving the staff depth and versatility.
Beyond the two‑deep, several other players will contribute. Jaylen Bell, a sophomore, will see action on special teams while rotating on defense, adding a spark to the unit’s third‑down packages.
Zacharey Smith, a redshirt freshman, may see limited defensive snaps but is expected to be a regular on special teams, providing reliability in that phase of the game.
Carson Williams, who arrived from Montana State, will primarily serve as a backup and special‑teams specialist, while incoming freshman Kasmir Hicks could make his debut on special teams if he does not redshirt.
Overall, the 2026 cornerback room blends five returners, two transfers and one freshman, creating a competitive environment that could reshape the defensive secondary.
The coaching staff remains confident that the mix of experience and fresh talent will keep the defense aggressive, even as they adjust to new personnel.