2026 Indiana Football Season Preview by the Numbers

Indiana's Josh Hoover (10) during Indiana University's football camp practice on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Here is a number to kick things off: I cannot believe it, but we are just 13 days away from a new Indiana football season! Today, I want to take you through some advanced metrics before the season officially gets underway to highlight some of what we can expect to see in Cignetti’s third chapter with the Hoosiers. Blitz vs. Sack Percentage There are a number of factors that have contributed to the turnaround we have seen under Cignetti at Indiana, but one that stands out above the rest is the Hoosiers’ ability to generate pressure in Bryant Haines’ defensive system. Indiana finished last season ranked 2nd nationally in total sacks (46.0) and 11th in sacks per game (2.88). The production behind the line of scrimmage was even more impressive, as the Hoosiers finished 3rd nationally in tackles for loss per game (8.06). We have all heard on broadcasts how Indiana generates pressure by confusing offensive lines with stunts and simulated pressures, a staple of Haines’ defensive system. The goal is to create pressure on the quarterback while still keeping enough players in coverage. Per Hudl IQ, the Hoosiers blitzed on just 22.2% of plays last season, well below the league average of 27.1%. Despite blitzing less frequently, Indiana still produced a sack percentage of 8.3%, significantly higher than the league average of 6.0%. In other words, the Hoosiers were able to generate pressure without relying on traditional blitzes. Indiana also reloaded along the defensive line this offseason, so I expect to see similar success in 2026. With Tyrique Tucker, Mario Landino, and Daniel Ndukwe returning, along with transfer portal additions Chidi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi, the Indiana defensive line should once again be a force to be reckoned with. Run to Pass Listen to any national pundit previewing Indiana this offseason and you will surely hear one thing: “They’ll go as far as Josh Hoover can take them.” While Hoover does have his work cut out for him replacing Heisman Trophy winner and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, Indiana is more than a quarterback-driven team. Per Hudl IQ, the Hoosiers actually handed the ball off on 59.1% of plays last season, well above the league average of 51.0%. Cignetti was not lying when he said Hoover’s two best friends will be “a great defense and a really good run game.” Indiana’s offensive identity is built around establishing the run and using it to create opportunities in the passing game. Luckily for Hoover, he has a strong group of running backs to turn around and hand the ball off to. Turbo Richard is new to the room, while Khobie Martin returns alongside Lee Beebe Jr., who is back after missing the entire 2025 season with an injury. While Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black have moved on to the NFL, the system that produced the 12th-most rushing yards per game nationally (212.9) and the 8th-most rushing touchdowns (35) remains in place. Chunk Plays Hoover will be airing it out, too. When he does, he has two strong outside targets to help him in Charlie Becker and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh. As many already know, Becker originally joined the Hoosiers as a Tom Allen recruit before bursting onto the scene last season, first making a name for himself in the Penn State game. Marsh has been known around Big Ten circles for a little longer, putting up impressive numbers at Michigan State despite playing on a team that did not experience much overall success. Hoover will most often be looking to these two on the outside, and when he does, expect big plays. Per Hudl IQ, Marsh generated 15+ yards per reception on 30.8% of his receptions last season. Becker one-upped him, doing so on 50.0% of his catches. Both receivers lined up outside on more than 80% of their routes and averaged more than two yards of separation at the time of their catches. That combination of separation and explosive-play ability should give Hoover plenty of opportunities to push the ball down the field. A Third of the Game Cignetti often talks about how fortunate he is to have kept his coordinators around for so long, and many assume he is referring only to Bryant Haines and Mike Shannahan. He is quick to remind people that Grant Cain, special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, has been by Cignetti’s side for a while, too. As the old adage goes, special teams is a third of the game, though it is often overlooked. That is not the case with the Hoosiers. Consistency and execution on special teams have become a staple of Indiana football and a major part of what makes playing the Hoosiers difficult. Last year, Indiana tied Texas Tech, Penn State, and Toledo for the national lead in blocked kicks and punts with five. While the Hoosiers did allow three kick returns of 30+ yards, good for just 80th nationally, they allowed zero returns longer than 40 yards, tied for the best mark in the country. That fits into the larger Indiana formula. The Hoosiers consistently put opponents in a position where they had to drive long distances against a tough defense to score. Then, if they were forced to punt, Indiana had another opportunity to create pressure and flip the field. Expect more of the same this season.

2026 Indiana Football Season Preview by the Numbers

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