In 2025, the 16-0 Indiana Hoosiers controlled every level of football. From offense to defense to special teams, every aspect of football seemed to be in sync. However, one of the most impressive aspects of this Indiana team was their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities, and the defensive tackles were the key to this feat.
In 2025, the Hoosiers’ defense was ranked No. 2 nationally in points allowed per game at 11.7. They controlled the rush, ranking No. 2 nationally in rush defense, allowing 77.2 yards per game, averaging 2.99 yards per carry. Indiana ranked in the top 10 in sacks, averaging 2.88 per game. The Hoosiers’ defense was lights out in third-down situations and ranked No. 8 nationally, holding opponents to a 30.1% conversion rate. Through all of these accomplishments, Indiana’s defensive tackles stood there as the force and engine behind this elite defense.
A group led by Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino consistently disrupted opposing offenses, holding the rush and dismantling quarterbacks. There is a lot to live up to as the Hoosiers embark on the 2026 season; however, many positives are filling the defensive tackle room. The best news comes in the form of Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino, who have both returned to compete for the cream and crimson. Tucker and Landino anchored the 2025 season, so their return is instrumental to the continued success of this group.
Hosea Wheeler and Dominique Radcliff were key depth pieces in the 2025 season; their departure will be missed. However, with veterans like Tucker and Landino, it should allow for new players to adjust smoothly. The depth charts will look slightly different this season, but Landino and Tucker mark familiarity for this group.
Expected Starters
Tyrique Tucker-Redshirt Senior/ James Madison
Tyrique Tucker was one of the 13 players who followed Curt Cignetti to Indiana from James Madison. Now, in 2026, Tucker is the lone transfer from James Madison. From zero-star recruit to one of the best defensive tackles in the nation, Tucker has embodied a success story, and he continues to write his own narrative.
While at James Madison, Tucker tallied 29 combined tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Before a breakout season, Cignetti believed in what Tucker could become, and he was right. Tucker’s impact on Indiana Football has been unmatched. Through two years at Indiana, Tucker has accumulated 64 combined tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three pass deflections. He had a breakout season in 2025, tallying 40 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and 6.0 sacks. His performance earned him All-American Third Team honors and an All-Big Ten First Team selection.
As a nose tackle, Tucker is known to be slightly undersized at 6-foot, but he does not let that define him. In fact, he excels as a run defender; he holds the A-gap and uses leverage to win at the line of scrimmage. Tucker is physical and quick and is clearly able to penetrate the pocket, making him an unwelcome player for opposing quarterbacks. Tucker will take on his largest role yet this season as a redshirt senior, in both leadership and skill. He will seek to define this defensive tackle room and take it to the tallest mountain.
Mario Landino- Junior/ Macungie, Pa.
Mario Landino is another obvious impact player who had a breakout season in 2025. In 2025, Landino tallied 32 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. As a 3-technique defensive tackle, Landino provides nice versatility alongside Tucker. He can also be placed as a 5-technique end, giving Pat Kuntz options in defensive schemes.
At 6-foot-4, Landino displays good length at the line. With his quick initial burst speed and hand use, Landino specializes in the pass rush. His 32 total pressures and 5.0 sacks last season are a clear indicator that he can penetrate the pocket. Landino has displayed a high motor as well and isn’t afraid to chase down ball carriers. His effort and relentlessness will continue to set him apart as he embarks on his junior campaign. Throughout the years, Landino has continued to develop and improve, and this year should be no different.
Depth Pieces
Joe Hjelle- Redshirt Senior/ Tulsa
Joe Hjelle marks Indiana’s only addition from the transfer portal in the defensive line room this season. Hjelle has had quite the football journey. From JUCO at Iowa Western Community College to Tulsa and now to Indiana, Hjelle continues to chase football and grow his game. And now, his talent has brought him to Bloomington.
Hjelle’s arrival should fill the gaps that Dominque Ratcliff and Hosea Wheeler left behind. Hjelle has had extensive experience playing at the collegiate level. While at Tulsa, Hjelle appeared in 24 games over two seasons. Across two seasons, Hjelle recorded 65 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His 2025 season was noteworthy with 46 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Hjelle will most likely rotate in for Landino. He brings veteran experience to the room, which is always beneficial in creating a reliable group. When needed, Hjelle should provide a physical presence down the middle who can defend the run and keep the rotation fresh.
Kyler Garcia- Redshirt Freshman/ Nashville, Tenn.
Kyler Garcia arrived in Bloomington in the fall of 2025 from Nashville, Tenn. Garcia appeared in one game against Indiana State in his initial collegiate season. He attended Pearl-Cohn High School, where he helped the Firebirds to the TSSA 4A state title as a junior. The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle was listed as a three-star prospect and ranked at No. 31 in Tennessee by 247Sports. In his senior season, Garcia recorded 71 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Backed by an impressive high school resume and a full year in Pat Kuntz’s system, Garcia is positioned to take on a larger rotational role this season.
Jhrevious Hall- Redshirt Freshman/ Columbia, Tenn.
Jhrevious Hall will also be competing in his second year as a Hoosier. At Columbia Central High School, Hall posted 82 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He chose Indiana over offers from Missouri, Duke, Tennessee, Auburn, and more. Hall was a consensus three-star prospect and rated as a top-30 player in the state of Tennessee. He is projected to have a high ceiling as an interior lineman and should make a significant impact for the Hoosiers this season.
Cam McHaney- Freshman/ Indianapolis, Ind.
Cam McHaney will be a brand new face to Indiana Football. The Indianapolis native attended IMG Academy, where he was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports. In his junior and senior years, McHaney led IMG Academy to consecutive Sunshine State Independent Association state titles. While he attended Indianapolis Lutheran as a freshman and sophomore, McHaney brought the Saints back-to-back Indiana High School Athletic Association Class A state titles. In his senior year at IMG, McHaney recorded 32 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two fumble recoveries. McHaney is an overall athlete and a state qualifier in track and field. He excels shooting gaps with quick-twitch athleticism, boasting one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among any interior lineman in the 2026 class. McHaney will be an exciting player to watch and should make an immediate impact as a true freshman.
Gabe Hill- Freshman/ Naperville, Ill.
Gabe Hill is another true freshman who could find himself on the field early. Hill attended Naperville North High School, where he was the Naperville Sun Player of the Year and the Southwest Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He was a top-15 prospect in the state of Illinois and a three-star prospect according to 247Sports. Hill tallied 55 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks, and one blocked punt as a senior. Hill has clearly found success on special teams, which could lead him onto Memorial Field early on.
Rodney White- Freshman/ Baltimore, Md.
Rodney White will be arriving in Bloomington out of Concordia Preparatory School. He is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports and is ranked in the top 40 among players in Maryland. White chose Indiana over offers from UNLV, Kent State, Tulane, Tennessee, and more. In high school, he was named first-team All-MIAA as a junior and a senior. In his senior year, he totaled 24 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks. He accumulated 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and one forced fumble across his career. White will likely line up as a nose tackle and should develop smoothly this season.
Blake Smythe- Freshman/ Trafalgar, Ind
All of the 2026 incoming freshmen have a high ceiling, including freshman Blake Smythe. Smythe attended Franklin Community High School, where he was a three-star prospect according to 247Sports. He is a top-20 player in the state of Indiana and chose the Hoosiers over offers from Memphis, Purdue, Kansas, and more. Smythe’s sophomore and junior years were among the best as he racked up a trifecta of awards, including the Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 5A All-State honors, All-Mid State Conference honors, and the Indianapolis Star Central Indiana Super Team as a senior. As a senior, he recorded 59 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, four sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Smythe adds another bright light to the future of the Indiana Football defensive tackles.
Final Assessment
Overall, there is an extensive amount of talent in the 2026 defensive tackle room. It is held together by veterans Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino, who paved the way for a historic defensive performance by the Hoosiers in 2025. With Tucker and Landino anchoring the defensive tackles, the lone transfer is Joe Hjelle, and the freshman will be entering an environment set up for success. They will learn from the two players who have done it best over their careers.
Joe Hjelle is a tremendous addition from the transfer portal. His extensive collegiate football experience will serve him well as a rotation player for Landino. Hjelle will get a lot of reps this season, and his stats demonstrate a player who is physical, determined, and experienced.
Other than redshirt freshman Jhrevious Hall and Kyler Garcia, the rest of this room looks unfamiliar to fans. Hall and Garcia both have an opportunity to contribute heavily on the defensive side of the ball this season. They have experienced a year of development, and now it is time to apply what they have learned. The freshman class looks strong, and each player put up significant numbers in high school. Some of them could find time on the field early this season, but all of them are guaranteed to make an impact in the future.
The talent bleeds out of this defensive tackle room. The depth chart may look different, but the anchors remain the same, and with Tucker and Landino leading the charge, opposing teams should be ready for some turbulence.
Other Position Previews:
Special Teams:
Safety:
Defensive Ends:
Offensive Lineman:
Quarterback:
Tight Ends:
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