Indiana might not have the legacy of a college football blue blood, but the tide started to turn in 2024. The Hoosiers put together a dream season, capped off with their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. A major catalyst? The offensive line. This unit was the foundation for an offense that surged to No. 2 nationally in scoring (41.3 ppg). With that kind of success, Bloomington is no longer flying under the radar—top-tier recruits and transfers are now circling Indiana as a serious destination under Curt Cignetti’s rising program.
Much of that success traces back to Offensive Line & Run Game Coordinator Bob Bostad, who’s entering his third season in Bloomington. Bostad was the lone holdover from the previous staff when Cignetti took over—and he proved his value immediately. In 2023, Indiana’s offensive line was ranked a dismal 122nd in pass blocking by PFF. Fast-forward a year, and Bostad’s rebuilt line jumped to 17th in the country and 3rd in the Big Ten. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident. Despite losing two of the top Big Ten o-linemen from 2024 (Mike Katic & Trey Wedig), Indiana heads into 2025 with a reloaded group—anchored by returning starters, seasoned transfers, and a few young names ready to rise. With all that in mind, let’s explore their offensive lines unit for this season.
Expected Starters
Carter Smith (Left Tackle) – Redshirt Junior – 6’5” / 313 lbs
If you’re looking for a model of reliability on Indiana’s offense, Carter Smith fits the bill. Since arriving in Bloomington in 2022 under former head coach Tom Allen, Smith has been on a steady rise. He redshirted his freshman year after appearing in just two games, but once 2023 hit, he seized the starting left tackle job—and he hasn’t let go. With 25 consecutive starts under his belt, Smith has quietly become the cornerstone of Indiana’s offensive line. Last season, in Curt Cignetti’s debut year, Smith held down the edge with supposed ease. He earned a 79.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, making him the Hoosiers’ second-highest graded lineman. His technique, footwork, and poise make him a nightmare for edge rushers and a crucial blindside protector for Fernando Mendoza. Heading into 2025, Smith is poised to be one of the most important—and possibly most underrated—players on Indiana’s offense.
Drew Evans (Left Guard) – Redshirt Sophomore – 6’4” / 306 lbs
Drew Evans was off to a standout 2024 campaign before a brutal setback where he suffered an Achilles tear in practice just days before Indiana’s clash with Michigan. Up to that point, he had started nine games and established himself as IU’s premier pass-blocker, earning an 83.1 grade from Pro Football Focus—ranking him among the top five offensive linemen across all CFP teams. While questions still linger about how well he’s rebounded from the injury, the coaching staff has zero doubts. “He’s full go, he’s cleared. We’ll manage him somewhat early in camp. I expect him to be out there,” head coach Curt Cignetti said at Big Ten Media Day. The staff fully expects Evans to be ready for week one, and his return would be a major boost to Indiana’s front. But in the event he needs a little more time, the Hoosiers have a strong insurance option in Kahlil Benson, a veteran with starting experience and positional flexibility.
Pat Coogan (Center) – Redshirt Senior – 6’5” / 311 lbs
One of the biggest portal pickups of the offseason, Pat Coogan arrives in Bloomington with championship-level experience and a résumé to back it up. A former Notre Dame standout, Coogan started 26 of 30 games for the Fighting Irish since joining the program in 2021. He was a key piece of the offensive front that powered Notre Dame all the way to the 2024 National Championship Game, including a dominant showing in the College Football Playoff—where he made life miserable for Indiana’s own defensive front. Though he fell just short of a title in South Bend, Coogan saw something special brewing in Bloomington. Hungry to win and drawn to Indiana’s rising momentum, he transferred in with a mission. Coogan brings not only experience and toughness, but also the kind of versatility and leadership needed to help replace All-Big Ten mainstay Mike Katic at center. With Coogan anchoring the middle, Indiana’s offensive line is in steady, battle-tested hands.
Bray Lynch (Right Guard) – Redshirt Junior – 6’5” / 312 lbs
Once a three-star recruit out of Texas, Bray Lynch has steadily climbed the ranks to become a key cog in Indiana’s offensive front. Since arriving in 2022, Lynch saw early action under former head coach Tom Allen, but it was under Curt Cignetti and line coach Bob Bostad where he truly hit his stride. Lynch started all 13 games in 2024 and proved his worth, earning a 69.0 grade from PFF, which placed him No. 10 among Big Ten offensive guards Lynch brings a gritty, no-nonsense presence to the right side of the line. Having spent the bulk of his career under Coach Bostad, Lynch is a clear example of how Indiana is developing linemen the right way and why this unit continues to improve year after year.
Zen Michalski (Right Tackle) – Redshirt Senior – 6’6” / 310 lbs
A four-star transfer from Ohio State, Zen Michalski arrives in Bloomington looking to make the most of his first real shot at a starting role. After joining the Buckeyes in 2021, Michalski saw action in 29 games over three seasons, including one start in 2024 before an injury sidelined him for the final nine games. Now fully healthy and hungry to prove himself, he brings high-level Big Ten experience and a chip on his shoulder to Indiana’s offensive line. This fall, Michalski gets the chance to lock down the right tackle spot under the guidance of elite line coach Bob Bostad. Expect Michalski to play with urgency and intensity as he looks to anchor the right side and turn his fresh start into a statement season.
Swing Lineman
Kahlil Benson – Redshirt Senior+ – 6’6” / 319 lbs
A familiar face returns to Bloomington as Kahlil Benson re-joins the Hoosiers after a brief stint at Colorado. The massive 6’6”, 319-pound lineman spent four seasons at Indiana before playing for Coach Prime in Boulder. Over his career, Benson has made 21 starts in 33 appearances. Now back in crimson and cream, Benson brings valuable experience, size, and physicality to Indiana’s interior line. If he performs well in fall camp, he may have the chance to be a potential starter for left guard based on Drew Evans’ current condition. I believe that Evans will be the starter in the role, but it is excellent having Benson back with the team where he can substitute in with Evans to give him some relief.
Depth/Rotation Pieces
Evan Lawrence, Austin Leibfried, Matt Marek, Adedamola Ajani, Jack Greer and Evan Parker
A former three-star product from Danville, Indiana, Evan Lawrence enters his second season in Bloomington with plenty of upside and a strong foundation to build on. As a member of Cignetti’s first recruiting class, Lawrence is quietly developing behind star left tackle Carter Smith. While Smith will handle the bulk of in-game reps, Lawrence’s time will come—and when it does, he’s the kind of player who can leave a lasting impression. Already ahead of the curve, Austin Leibfried appeared in four games last season and enters 2025 with valuable game experience. A 2024 signee, Leibfried has impressed with his technique and physicality and could see rotational snaps if injuries hit or development continues on its current path. He’s a name to remember for the future of Indiana’s interior line.
One of the new faces on campus, true freshman Matt Marek is one of the more intriguing additions to the line. Hailing from Orland Park, Illinois, Marek was an Offensive MVP in high school and earned three-star marks from 247Sports. He’s stepping into a deep, veteran room—but if he proves himself in fall camp, don’t be surprised if he sees the field earlier than expected. The tools are there—it’s just a matter of when. Another under-the-radar piece with solid upside, Adedamola Ajani saw time in three games last season. Though he projects as a depth option again this fall, he’s shown flashes of potential and continues to develop behind the scenes. As he matures physically and sharpens his technique, Ajani could carve out a larger role down the line. Another big-bodied Indiana native from Carmel, Evan Parker is a player with a bright future ahead of him. was a three-star prospect and a standout on the Indy Super Team as a senior. At 6’6”, 310 pounds, he’s got the frame to grow into a reliable Big Ten lineman. While Parker is expected to spend most of 2025 soaking up knowledge from his older teammates, the long-term ceiling is high.
A steady presence in the program for the past four seasons, Jack Greer is quietly carving out a valuable role along Indiana’s interior line. The in-state product saw action in four games last season, gaining reps and experience in Bob Bostad’s system. While he hasn’t cracked the starting five just yet, Greer is firmly in the mix as a primary backup at center behind veteran transfer Pat Coogan.
Surprises
It may not even be that much of a surprise, but I think Drew Evans has a huge bounce back year. Yes, he was Indiana’s top-rated lineman according to PFF last season, but he suffered a season ending injury last season. It can be difficult to come back from an injury like he suffered. However, I believe that Evans will rise above it all and pick up right where he left off. He has the talent and the drive to do big things.
Another name to keep circle: Zen Michalski. The Ohio State transfer didn’t get much of a runway last year—appearing in just seven games and making one start before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. But this year, he has a clean slate and a clear opportunity as Indiana’s projected starter at right tackle. With elite size (6’6”, 310 lbs) and four-star pedigree, Zen brings the physical tools—and now, a chip on his shoulder. If he stays healthy and continues to develop under Coach Bostad, Michalski could surprise a lot of people and anchor the edge with real authority.
Confidence Level
Indiana’s offensive line unit for 2025 appears very solid. Many seasoned veterans within the ranks and some very promising young talent. Indiana had an excellent year at offensive line in 2024, and I think they’ll exceed in every aspect this season. Indiana has important players returning like Carter Smith, Bray Lynch, and Drew Evans, plus the veteran transfers (Pat Coogan, Zen Michalski, & Kahlil Benson). I believe Pat Coogan is a perfect choice to take over for Mike Katic at center. I have a lot of confidence in the veterans who anchor the line. They’re expected to create wide open holes for Hemby, Beebe, and Black, while also protecting Mendoza in the pocket. They have the potential to be one of the Hoosiers’ best position group this season. So, fans should feel extremely confident when putting faith into this group.
Preseason Position Previews
Continue to follow along with Hoosier Huddle’s coverage as we quickly approach opening kickoff!