Indiana football: 5 biggest X-factors who could swing the 2026 season (DEFENSE)
- Indiana's second starting cornerback job remains unsettled between Penn State transfer A.J. Harris and Ryland Gandy after injuries caused both players to miss portions of fall camp.
- Sophomore Byron Baldwin Jr. is positioned to start at rover and serve as a movable defensive piece in coverage, run support and corner blitzes, although his limited college experience creates missed-assignment risk.
- Kansas State transfer Chiddi Obiazor will primarily play strong-side defensive end but can shift to three-technique on passing downs or outside in short-yardage packages.
- Wisconsin transfer Preston Zachman returns from a season-ending 2025 injury with 35 games and seven career interceptions and is expected to replace Louis Moore as a versatile starting safety.
- Defensive tackle Mario Landino returns alongside Tyrique Tucker and could receive more one-on-one pass-rush opportunities because opponents must account for Indiana's broader front-seven depth.
dbdepth_chartinjuriesavailabilitypracticedefenseschematicsconcernsdltransferspredictionexcitements