Indiana OL Carter Smith's Injury is a Blessing in Disguise

The All-American tackle's recovery opens the door for younger players to step up this spring.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:58pm

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Indiana offensive lineman Carter Smith is out for the spring due to surgery to repair a torn labrum, but the injury presents an opportunity for other players to step up and earn more playing time, including redshirt freshman Baylor Wilkin and redshirt sophomore Austin Liebfried.

Why it matters

While losing an All-American like Smith is a blow, his absence allows younger offensive linemen to get valuable first-team reps during spring practice, which can accelerate their development and help build depth along the offensive line for the Hoosiers.

The details

Smith confirmed he had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will be limited in the weight room during his recovery, but he plans to use the time to coach up the younger players and see the game from a wider perspective. Redshirt freshman Baylor Wilkin will now be the first-team left tackle this spring, while redshirt sophomore Austin Liebfried will get more repetitions along the interior of the offensive line with the graduation of several starters.

  • In January 2026, Smith was seen wearing a sling at an IU Women's basketball game, sparking rumors of an injury.
  • Smith confirmed the injury and surgery after Indiana's third spring practice in 2026.

The players

Carter Smith

An All-American offensive tackle for the Indiana Hoosiers who is out for spring practice due to surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Baylor Wilkin

A redshirt freshman offensive tackle who will now be the first-team left tackle this spring with Smith sidelined.

Austin Liebfried

A redshirt sophomore offensive lineman who will get more repetitions along the interior of the offensive line this spring with the graduation of several starters.

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What they’re saying

“I had a labrum tear on my left shoulder, so I was put in a sling after my surgery. I had a good repair done by a lot of doctors back at home.”

— Carter Smith, Indiana Offensive Lineman

“Another guy that I kind of see stepping up is Baylor Wilkin. He's going to be doing our left tackle work with the ones all spring. I see him as a really fast dude who can connect bodies really fast. He's got a good strike. He might be a little bit on the shorter side, but he makes up for it in this length.”

— Carter Smith, Indiana Offensive Lineman

“I would say that taking a step back and being able to see the game from a wider range. I think it's a good moment for me to be able to see it, especially for our young guys, since we have three early and early freshmen to be able to see what they do on the field and once they come out, to be able to coach them up.”

— Carter Smith, Indiana Offensive Lineman

What’s next

Smith is still limited in the weight room during his recovery, but he plans to use the time to coach up the younger players and see the game from a wider perspective.

The takeaway

While losing an All-American like Carter Smith is a blow, his absence opens the door for younger offensive linemen like Baylor Wilkin and Austin Liebfried to get valuable first-team reps during spring practice, which can accelerate their development and help build depth along the offensive line for the Hoosiers.