The Indiana Hoosiers landed their first, of what should be many, transfers on Sunday morning in former Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman. After playing in 34 games over six seasons with the Badgers, Zachman has one year of eligibility left. He played three games in 2025 before a leg injury caused him to take a redshirt year.
In his 34 games with the Badgers Zachman made 130 tackles, four tackles for loss and seven interceptions. The 6’1″ 212-pound safety hails from Elysburg, PA.
“Indiana felt like the right fit because of the culture being built and the opportunity to compete right away in the Big Ten.” Zachman told Hoosier Huddle.
The portal opened up on January 2nd, just hours after IU’s Rose Bowl win over Alabama. It has been hectic preparing for both the Peach Bowl and reloading the roster for 2026, but the message from IU’s staff has stayed the same.
“(The IU staff) were honest and straight forward. The staff was clear about expectations and how I fit into their vision.” Zachman said.
The Hoosiers are losing Louis Moore, Devin Boykin and potentially Amare Ferrell at the safety position, so getting a fifth-year senior who has 34 games of experience in the Big Ten is important. Zachman is also a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.
Zachman describes his game as “Physical, instinctive, and reliable. I take pride in communicating, playing fast, and being consistent.”
Zachman has a nose for the ball and will fit in well in Bryant Haines’ scheme. IU’s safeties have 12 interceptions between them. Zachman could fit in at any of the three safety positions in IU’s defense as he has the experience to do so.Pro Football Focus graded Zachman at 79.6 in his three games in 2025 and 80.5 in 2024.
Zachman told Hoosier Huddle his leg injury is recovering well, but he is not cleared to play just yet.