Indiana football's starting left tackle Carter Smith to miss spring practice

Smith, the Big Ten's reigning Offensive Lineman of the Year, is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:04pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an offensive lineman in motion, with sharp planes of crimson red and cream white representing the Indiana Hoosiers' colors, conceptually illustrating the loss of a key player on the team's offensive line.A cubist interpretation of Indiana's star offensive lineman Carter Smith, whose absence from spring practice due to injury will test the Hoosiers' depth up front.Bloomington Today

Indiana football starting left tackle Carter Smith will miss spring practice as he recovers from offseason surgery to repair a labral tear in his left shoulder. Smith, a consensus All-American who started all 16 games last season, is hopeful he will be cleared for fall camp and able to start weight training again in the next few weeks.

Why it matters

Smith's absence will be a significant loss for the Hoosiers' offensive line, which is already replacing several starters from last year's national championship team. His recovery will be closely watched as Indiana looks to build on its success and make another run at the title.

The details

According to Pro Football Focus, Smith was one of only 12 offensive linemen in the country to play more than 1,000 snaps (1,028) last season. He received the ninth-highest overall grade among all FBS offensive linemen (85.3) and allowed only nine quarterback pressures (two sacks) all year. Smith announced he was returning for his senior season after receiving a third-round draft grade from the College Advisory Committee.

  • Smith suffered the labral tear in his left shoulder during the offseason.
  • He told reporters on Tuesday that he anticipates being cleared for fall camp.
  • Smith is hopeful he will be able to start weight training again in the next few weeks.

The players

Carter Smith

Indiana football's starting left tackle and the Big Ten's reigning Offensive Lineman of the Year. He is a consensus All-American who started all 16 games last season.

Bray Lynch

One of four full-time returning starters on the Indiana offensive line.

Drew Evans

One of four full-time returning starters on the Indiana offensive line.

Adedamola Ajani

An Indiana offensive lineman who made four starts last season and lined up at three different positions.

Joe Brunner

An experienced offensive lineman who transferred to Indiana from Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“He told reporters on Tuesday that he anticipates being cleared for fall camp, and is hopeful he start weight training again in the next few weeks.”

— Carter Smith

What’s next

Smith's recovery progress will be closely monitored as Indiana prepares for the 2026 season. The Hoosiers will need to find a way to replace his production on the offensive line during spring practice.

The takeaway

Carter Smith's absence from spring practice due to shoulder surgery is a significant loss for the Indiana football team, which is already replacing several starters on the offensive line. His recovery will be crucial as the Hoosiers look to build on last season's national championship and make another run at the title.