Indiana University’s football program is enjoying a surge of recognition after eight of its players earned spots on On3’s Top 100 list for the upcoming season, a testament to the Hoosiers’ rising national profile.
Leading the charge is senior left tackle Carter Smith, who tops the Hoosiers at No. 11 overall and holds the distinction of being the highest‑ranked offensive lineman on the list. Smith’s durability is underscored by 41 consecutive starts at left tackle and a career in which he has surrendered just four sacks across 2,516 snaps.
Close behind, wide receiver Charlie Becker returns as Indiana’s premier pass catcher, having posted 34 receptions for 679 yards and four touchdowns last year. Becker’s blend of size and speed has positioned him as a First‑Round prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Hoosiers’ optimism extends beyond individual rankings. Analysts project a 10.5 win total for the 2026 campaign, tying them with Oregon for the highest mark in the Big Ten, while betting platforms list Indiana among the early favorites to capture the College Football Playoff and, ultimately, the national championship.
Coach Curt Cignetti, now in his second season, has orchestrated a transformation that many describe as a cultural shift. He has bolstered the roster through a highly rated portal class, offsetting the departure of several key contributors to the NFL and reinforcing the team’s depth.
A New Era in Bloomington
The momentum is not confined to the field. In Bloomington, the buzz is palpable as fans and alumni alike anticipate a season that could rewrite the program’s narrative. The combination of elite talent, strategic coaching, and favorable odds suggests that the Hoosiers are shedding their underdog label and stepping into the conversation as genuine title contenders.