The 2024 Indiana cornerback room was led by burgeoning superstar D’Angelo Ponds, who quickly became a household name throughout Bloomington. Ponds logged 55 total tackles (4.5 for loss), 3 INTs, and 9 pass breakups, including a two-interception game against Washington. Lining up alongside Ponds was junior Jamier Johnson.
When it was announced on January 30th that starting cornerback Jamier Johnson was no longer with the program, it sent shockwaves through Bloomington. Johnson complemented fellow starter D’Angelo Ponds nicely and seemed poised for a breakout season in 2025. Johnson’s departure has created a position battle for the starting job between transfers Ryland Gandy and Amariyun Knighten and returning junior Jamari Sharpe. In order to determine who will start alongside Ponds, let’s take a look at the depth chart.
The Starters
D’Angelo Ponds
No surprises here. D’Angelo Ponds was a breakout star for the Hoosiers in 2024. As a starting cornerback, Ponds logged 55 total tackles (4.5 for loss), 3 INTs, and 9 pass breakups, including a two-interception game against Washington. This performance led to Ponds being selected to the 2024 All-American second team. As the undisputed leader of the secondary, getting Ponds to return was a huge win for the Hoosiers this offseason, and he looks to build upon his success in 2025.
Jamari Sharpe or Ryland Gandy
This is where things get complicated. As I said above, the departure of Jamier Johnson has created a position battle for his starting CB spot. While this could definitely change with a strong fall camp from Amariyun Knighten or Ryland Gandy, I currently have redshirt junior Jamari Sharpe starting alongside Ponds. Sharpe was a consistent role player for the Hoosiers in 2024, totaling 13 tackles, half a sack, and a fumble recovery. As the favorite after spring camp, he looks to solidify his role as a starter in 2025.
Pitt transfer Ryland Gandy is another talented corner who could see significant minutes. While at Pitt, Gandy appeared in 29 games with 13 starts, totaling 47 tackles and one pass breakup, often finding himself on an island with no safety help over top. With a good fall camp or first couple of games, don’t be surprised if either Gandy or Knighten breaks into the starting lineup alongside Ponds.
Rotational Pieces
Amariyun Knighten
The Hoosiers have several talented corners, all of whom could see significant minutes in 2025. In particular, Amariyun Knighten and Ryland Gandy both could be key contributors in the secondary this season. Knighten, a transfer from Northern Illinois, has appeared in 25 games with 14 starts, totaling 45 tackles and an INT. Most notably, Knighten was the hero for the Huskies in their 2024 upset over Notre Dame; his 4th-quarter interception set up the Huskies’ game-winning field goal.
Additional Depth
Dontrae Henderson, Jaylen Bell, Zachery Smith, Seaonta Stewart, and Jah Jah Boyd
Rounding out the cornerback room this season are a group of true and redshirt freshmen: Jaylen Bell, Zacharey Smith, Seaonta Stewart, Jah Jah Boyd, and Dontrae Henderson. While Bell, Smith, and Stewart will likely redshirt this season, there is a chance that Boyd and Henderson will see the field and could potentially break into the rotation with consistent on-field production.
Surprises
As I’ve said throughout this article, the biggest surprise this season will likely be who lines up alongside D’Angelo Ponds in the season opener. While I’ve penciled in Jamari Sharpe as the starter, Amariyun Knighten and Ryland Gandy both have the talent to take over that starting role.
Specifically, I think that Sharpe, with his familiarity with the scheme, is in a great position to take over the starting role with a strong spring. If he can make strides in the spring and summer, don’t be surprised to see his name on the starting lineup come August 30th.
Confidence Level
While the Hoosiers may have lost contributors such as Jamier Johnson and Cedarius Doss, the confidence in the position group remains high. The return of D’Angelo Ponds and the addition of Ryland Gandy and Amariyun Knighten have helped strengthen IU’s secondary. The cornerback room should have a similar level of production next season and may even take a step up in 2025.
Continue to follow along with Hoosier Huddle’s coverage as we quickly approach opening kickoff!