Insights and Observations from Indiana Fall Camp: Practice 5

The Indiana Hoosiers wrapped up their fifth practice of fall camp on Tuesday morning as they prepare to open the 2026 season opener against North Texas on September 5th. Today, I focused on the defense, especially the linebackers.

Indiana Practice Basics

• Practice was inside Memorial Stadium
• Player leaders for Tuesday were OL Carter Smith, LB Isaiah Jones and DL Tobi Osunsammi. Osunsammi was the one who delivered the pre-practice speech.
• Players were in shoulder pads, helmets, and shorts

Indiana Practice Observations

• The defense started with drills focusing on high-pointing the ball on interceptions and recovering loose balls on the turf.
• The linebackers focused on footwork and closing in on the ball carrier. Coach Haines was emphasizing being light on their feet and attacking.
• One thing I have noticed over the first few days is the different styles of coaching going on all over the field. While defensive line coach Pat Kuntz can be heard from Brown County, Coach Haines is quiter in his explanations of what needs to be done. What stays the same is the standard they hold their positions to.
• Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones are the clear leaders of the group, but freshman Jacob Savage stands out as the most physically ready of the first-year linebackers. Ja’dyn Williams and Henry Ohlinger have high ceilings as well, but Savage looks the most field-ready at the moment.

Video Clips From Practice