Countdown to 2026 Indiana Football 23 Days – Henry Ohlinger

We slowly inch closer to Indiana kicking off against North Texas in the Hoosiers’ season opener on September 5th. As we run our countdown each day at Hoosier Huddle, we now line up at day 23, where we highlight Henry Ohlinger.

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 224 lbs

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

High School: Grandview

Class: Freshman

Position: Linebacker

Henry Ohlinger arrives to Bloomington as a true freshman, no doubt hoping to bring yet another National Championship to the halls of Indiana University. Coming out of high school, Ohlinger was rated as a talented four-star recruit, per 247 Sports Composite Rankings. He was ranked as the 264th best player in the class and received offers from a large host of programs, such as, Boston College, Cincinnati, Iowa, Miami, Purdue, Rutgers, Virginia, and several other group of five programs.

As a recruit, Ohlinger was listed as an athlete (ATH). This is because he excelled in high school at both linebacker and running back. While he played more running back in high school – and rushed for 27 touchdowns as a junior – he projects most as a linebacker while wearing the cream and crimson. However, don’t put it past this coaching staff to use Ohlinger as a dual-threat player down the line. Both defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan recruited Ohlinger, so clearly they see the promise he brings on both sides of the ball. Now, I am only speculating here of course, but Ohlinger is a special talent.

For now though, Hoosier Huddle’s Jamie Jordan has Ohlinger as the 3rd string middle linebacker behind Isaiah Jones and Kaiden Turner. He will learn so much under the tutelage of this experienced, talented, and hard-working linebacker room while also having more opportunity for snaps compared to Indiana’s very crowded running back room.

Ohlinger is an extremely high upside player who could be primed to make a real impact in 2027. Some questions do remain, however, on which position fits him best – linebacker or running back – but that seems to be a good problem to have. Ohlinger is very skilled at both positions, so it will come down to which position the coaching staff thinks will maximize his potential in the long term. Be on the lookout for Ohlinger in the future, Indiana fans!

Thanks to iuhoosiers.com for the biographical and accolade information used in this article.

Stay locked in with Hoosier Huddle as we continue to march on with the Countdown to Kickoff for Indiana Football each day!