Projecting what the 2026 defensive depth chart could look like for Indiana football
- Indiana's projected defensive front pairs Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino inside, with Tulsa transfer Joe Hjelle and highly reviewed freshman Blake Smythe leading the tackle rotation.
- Kansas State transfer Tobi Osunsanmi and Notre Dame transfer Joshua Burnham are projected to start at edge after both performed well in practice, with Daniel Ndukwe and Chiddi Obiazor positioned as the top reserves.
- Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt remain in eligibility jeopardy after an appeals-court reversal, and the timing of any state-court resolution is unknown.
- Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy project as the starting linebackers, with Jones handling the green-dot communication and veteran reserves Kaiden Turner and Jeff Utzinger supplying experienced depth.
- Jamari Sharpe has secured one corner spot while Ryland Gandy and A.J. Harris compete opposite him, and the projected back end features Amare Ferrell, Wisconsin transfer Preston Zachman and rover Byron Baldwin.
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