After a breakout season for Rolijah Hardy in 2025, Hardy looks to take a step forward as a leader heading into the 2026 season.
After a breakout season for Rolijah Hardy in 2025, Hardy looks to take a step forward as a leader heading into the 2026 season. The sophomore outside linebacker from Lakefield, Florida, made his presence known this past season for the Hoosiers, recording eight sacks and two interceptions. This season, he knows that his role will be increased as last year’s upperclassmen move on to the NFL.
With Aiden Fisher leaving for the NFL, Isaiah Jones will move over to the mike linebacker position. This leaves Hardy as the top will linebacker on the roster. At a media availability on Tuesday morning, Hardy was asked how his role will evolve next season, both on and off the field.
“Definitely, from a leadership standpoint, I want to be able to be more vocal. With Fish gone, me and Isaiah are going to have to lead the room, lead the defense… and also the team… by being more vocal.”
Hardy mentions that former team captain and linebacker Aiden Fisher is gone, and that those leadership responsibilities will now fall to him more often. Hardy also mentions Isaiah Jones and how, as the veteran leaders in this linebacking room, they will have to co-exist.
“Playing-wise, just making more plays. Knowing the system, the more experience I get, the more I’ll be able to know the system.”
Hardy makes it clear that he wants to be a better player next season, but to do that, he needs to be smarter under defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ system.
Hardy will be switching his jersey number to five this season as he looks to take a step next year.
“With Ponds leaving, he had a great year, and I just wanted to be able to do the same thing.”
Hardy tells the media that with D’Angelo Ponds leaving, he wanted to take over the number and continue its legacy. It was Hardy’s High School number back home in Florida, so it means a lot to him that he can wear the number five as he looks to build upon his great 2025 season.