The Indiana Hoosiers will return an important piece of the defensive line when Tyrique Tucker announced on X that he will return to the Hoosiers in 2026.
Tucker joined the Hoosiers in 2024 after coming with Curt Cignetti from James Madison. In his first year with the Hoosiers Tucker played in 13 games in a reserve role as a rotational player.
“He’s been great. Talking to him this spring, it’s been different for him. Throughout his career, he’s had somebody to chase that was in a starting spot ahead of him.” Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher said. “[When] I talked to him in the spring, he said it’s been a different feeling, but I still have that feeling like I’m still chasing somebody. That’s why I think he’s seen such steady improvement. Everything that he’s done this year has been phenomenal. His pass rush has been great. His run blocking has been amazing, getting off blocks and making tackles. He’s been essential for us to make any run that we’ve made. His leadership has really come a long way. He’s just done everything right and I can’t say enough about him, he’s done a great job.”
In 2025, Tucker became an All-American. He started all 16 games for the Hoosiers and was instrumental in a dominant defensive performance all year. He made 40 tackles, including 12 for loss with six sacks.
Tucker and Mario Landino will continue to anchor the Hoosier defensive line in 2026.