Indiana enters the 2025 season with the tall task of replacing their star defensive tackle. The Hoosiers lost CJ West and James Carpenter to the NFL after they helped lead the team to an 11-2 record and a berth into the College Football Playoff. That is a tough act to follow, but transfer Hosea Wheeler and returner Tyrique Tucker have all the tools to be successful at the position. With that being said, let’s take a look at the DT room.
Projected Starters
Hosea Wheeler, Redshirt Senior, 6’3” 298 lbs & Tyrique Tucker, Redshirt Junior, 6’0” 302 lbs
Wheeler comes to IU from Western Kentucky, where he totaled 118 tackles (50 solo), 4 sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles over his three years with the Hilltoppers. Perhaps most memorably, Wheeler strip-sacked Alabama QB Jalen Milore on just the second play of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 season. As a big body with lots of agility, Wheeler will likely be the starting DT come August 30th.
Lining up alongside him at nose tackle will likely be redshirt junior Tyrique Tucker. Tucker followed Coach Cignetti from JMU to Indiana and immediately made his mark on the Hoosiers’ defensive line. Appearing in 12 games, Tucker amassed 24 tackles (9 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. This solid performance led to him being graded the 9th best interior lineman in the Big 10 and number 25th nationally per PFF.
Rotation
J’mari Monette, Redshirt Senior, 6’3” 286 lbs & Dominique Ratcliff, Redshirt Senior +, 6’ 3” 296 lbs.
Behind Wheeler and Tucker are a pair of talented redshirt seniors: J’mari Monette and Dominique Ratcliff. Monette made his collegiate debut against the Western Illinois Leathernecks last season and immediately posted a tackle. As a talented player out of a powerhouse high school in Louisiana, Monette looks to firmly cement himself in the rotation this season.
Next to Monette on the depth chart will be the talented transfer out of Texas State. Last season for the Bobcats, Ratcliff had 22 tackles (9 solo), 4 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, earning him an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention. As he prepares to enter his 6th season of college football, Ratcliff brings a wealth of experience to the line.
Depth Pieces
Kyler Garcia, Aden Cannon, & Jhrevious Hall
Behind Monette and Ratcliff there are a couple of talented freshmen in Garcia and Hall and a redshirt junior in Aden Cannon. While Cannon has yet to see the field, he has been an integral part of the scout team, getting the offense prepared to go up against challenging Big 10 defenses week in and week out. In terms of Garcia and Hall, they will likely redshirt their first season while they learn the ropes of the college game. However, given how Mario Landino burst onto the scene and into the rotation as a freshman, don’t be surprised if either Garcia or Hall follows in his footsteps.
Outlook
While the losses of CJ West and James Carpenter will be felt, the Hoosiers have done a good job of finding their replacements. Hosea Wheeler is an extremely talented player who has shown that he can consistently play at a high level, while Tyrique Tucker brings experience and familiarity with the system that will be invaluable as the season begins. The interior of the Hoosiers defense seems poised for another strong year.
Continue to follow along with Hoosier Huddle’s coverage as we quickly approach opening kickoff!