Indiana Basketball Declines Postseason Invitations, Ends Season 18-14

Hoosiers won't accept bids to NIT or College Basketball Crown after missing NCAA Tournament

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:35pm

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Indiana basketball has decided to decline any postseason invitations, including the NIT and College Basketball Crown, after being excluded from the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers finished the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 record under first-year head coach Darian DeVries, going 9-12 in Big Ten play and losing six of their final seven games. Despite being considered a bubble team for the NCAA Tournament, Indiana was unable to secure a bid after a late-season collapse.

Why it matters

Indiana basketball has a storied history and high expectations, so missing the NCAA Tournament is a disappointment for the program and its fans. The decision to decline other postseason invitations signals the team and coaching staff are ready to turn the page and focus on the future, with significant roster turnover expected for next season.

The details

Indiana basketball won't accept an invitation to the NIT or College Basketball Crown, an IU Athletics source confirmed on Sunday. The Hoosiers ended their first season under coach Darian DeVries with an 18-14 record, including a 9-12 mark in Big Ten play. Indiana appeared to be headed to the NCAA Tournament after winning five of six games in the heart of conference play, but then lost six of their final seven contests, with five of those losses coming by double digits.

  • Indiana's season is now officially over.
  • The Hoosiers lost 74-61 to Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament on March 11, 2026.

The players

Darian DeVries

Indiana Hoosiers head coach in his first season with the program.

Lamar Wilkerson

One of six Indiana seniors whose college careers have now ended.

Tucker DeVries

One of six Indiana seniors whose college careers have now ended.

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What they’re saying

“I think their practice habits were really good all year. They've represented themselves, our program, in a first-class manner.”

— Darian DeVries, Indiana Hoosiers head coach (Indiana Hoosiers On SI)

“Certainly, we felt like there's a little more in there for us that we would have liked to have gotten done. These guys continue to stick together even during a couple of these losing streaks and stuff and continue to maintain positive and work and do things the right way. I'm certainly appreciative of that group and especially that group of seniors.”

— Darian DeVries, Indiana Hoosiers head coach (Indiana Hoosiers On SI)

What’s next

The Hoosiers will turn their attention toward the transfer portal, with Darian DeVries and executive director of basketball Ryan Carr aiming to build upon a 2025-26 campaign that ultimately ended just short of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Indiana's decision to decline postseason invitations after missing the NCAA Tournament highlights the high expectations for the storied program. While the Hoosiers showed promise at times this season, their late-season collapse ultimately doomed their tournament hopes, leading the team to shift its focus to the future and roster turnover.