Kaiden Turner and Jeff Utzinger Bring Experience and Trust at Linebacker

One of the biggest curiosities heading into Indiana’s fall camp in 2026 was the depth at linebacker behind Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy. While the Hoosiers returned two starters, it was unclear who could fill out the depth chart behind them. As it turns out, Kaiden Turner and Jeff Utzinger, a pair of trusted veterans, will be counted on after showing flashes of what they could do in some really important spots last season.

“They know what to do. They played before. They’re good special teams players as well.” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said on Monday as IU enters the third week of fall camp.

Turner, a fifth-year player out of Arkansas, came to IU under former coach Tom Allen with the hopes of being the next Micah McFadden. He was ranked the 31st-best linebacking prospect in the country out of high school, and his Hoosier career started with promise.

As a true freshman in 2022, Turner played in four games and was called on to start the season finale against Purdue as IU’s linebacking group was banged up. He played relatively well, making 17 total tackles, including one for a loss.

After two seasons of dealing with injuries and being buried on the bench, Turner has found his way into the circle of trust with his play when given a chance to be on the field.

Last season, Turner played in 13 of Indiana’s 16 games. He was used in some big spots, not only on special teams, but at linebacker when Aiden Fisher was not on the field. Turner made a big interception against Maryland and then helped Indiana shut down a third-down play against Ohio State late in the fourth quarter that ultimately led to the Buckeyes’ missing a field goal. Turner only made 10 tackles, but he was trusted in the team’s biggest moments.

Turner’s teammate Jeff Utzinger is a former walk-on from Carmel and has risen the ranks with hard work and production when given the chance. After not seeing any game action his first two seasons, Utzinger finally made his debut in Cignetti’s first season in 2024.

Since then, he has played in all 29 games and has become a regular in the linebacker rotation and a special teams ace. He has 22 career tackles. Utzinger was inserted into big spots as well. He had a tackle for loss in the Big Ten Championship game negated by a wishy-washy offsides call on a lineman.

While the spotlight is rightfully on Hardy and Jones, Turner and Utzinger have taken to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ philosophy and carved out a role for themselves.

“We had some [injuries] at linebacker during the middle of the year and whether it be Jeff Utzinger that shows up in there or Kaiden Turner. There is a job description that needs to be done, find a way to get it done.” Haines said during Indiana’s run through the College Football Playoff. “Then, it is on me to adapt the scheme that fits what those guys are capable of.”

Their names may not be called often, but Turner and Utzinger know the job description and are trusted to execute it in big spots.