The No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers continue to roll through the 2025 college football season with historic momentum. Sitting at 10-0 with just two regular-season matchups remaining, Indiana is on the verge of something the program has never achieved — an undefeated 11-0 record.
A major driving force behind this dominance has been the Hoosiers’ smothering defense, orchestrated by defensive coordinator Bryant Haines. Indiana’s defense has been relentless, holding opponents to just 12.1 points per game — the second-lowest mark in the nation. And at the heart of it all is the linebacker unit, a group loaded with talent, leadership, and quiet toughness.
While veteran Aiden Fisher often garners the spotlight and Isaiah Jones continues to shine in his own right, one name has quietly become indispensable: Rolijah Hardy. The sophomore linebacker has grown into one of Indiana’s most underrated stars — an unsung hero whose impact goes far beyond the box score.
“I think mentally he’s gotten out of his own head,” senior Aiden Fisher said on Tuesday. “[Rolijah] came in as a young guy trying to digest an entire scheme that, for me, took a whole year, year and a half, to get under my belt. Seeing how fast he’s been able to do it, especially last year, and see how he was able to play and be productive this year — he’s taken it and ran with it. He’s playing confident, he’s playing fast. He’s very familiar with everything. I think he’s comfortable in the scheme [and] in his position.”
Hardy’s rise from unheralded recruit to defensive cornerstone has been remarkable. The former no-star prospect wasted no time making an impression as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in all 13 games with four starts. He racked up 22 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions — one of which he returned for a 12-yard touchdown.
For someone who entered the program largely under the radar, Hardy’s leap in his sophomore season has been nothing short of exceptional.
“I would definitely say God just gave me the ability to play fast,” Hardy said on Tuesday. “Then also Coach Haines and my teammates, like Fish [Aiden Fisher], they helped me be able to play fast. All season we really hammered the playbook and technique.”
Hardy has taken a massive leap forward from last season’s performance. In 2025, he’s become one of Indiana’s most reliable defensive playmakers, racking up 61 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 6.0 sacks. No matter where the ball goes, Hardy seems to be there — flying sideline to sideline, reading plays with poise, and delivering hits that change momentum.
His dominance has shown up in some of the Hoosiers’ biggest road battles. Against then-No. 3 Oregon (now No. 8 in the CFP rankings), Hardy posted 13 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack. Just last Saturday against Penn State, he tallied another 12 tackles and a sack. Week after week, Hardy has been a driving force in Indiana’s defensive success — even if his name doesn’t always make the headlines like some of his counterparts.
Despite flying under the radar, Hardy’s story is still being written. He’s only a sophomore — a former no-star recruit who’s proving that hard work, discipline, and heart can’t be measured by rankings. And as his confidence and production continue to grow, it’s only a matter of time before fans across the country recognize what Indiana already knows: Rolijah Hardy is the real deal.
While Indiana chases its first-ever 11-0 start to a season, Hardy and the rest of the Hoosiers aren’t looking too far ahead. Their focus remains simple — go 1-0 each week. The bigger goals, like a shot at the national title, will come in time. For now, their attention is on the task in front of them: a Saturday showdown with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Kickoff is set for noon on November 15 at Memorial Stadium, with the game airing on Big Ten Network. It’ll be the Hoosiers’ final home game of the regular season — and if Hardy’s recent performances are any indication, fans in Bloomington are in for a show.