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Wyatt Today
By the People, for the People
4 Underrated Indiana Football Players To Watch This Spring
These Hoosiers could step into important roles in 2026 as Indiana looks to defend its national title.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:49pm
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Indiana's quest to repeat as national champions will require contributions from several unheralded players stepping into expanded roles.Wyatt TodayIndiana returns several key players from its national championship roster, but has to replace stars like Fernando Mendoza, Aiden Fisher and Mikail Kamara. Here are four Hoosiers who could emerge as important contributors in 2026, including a pair of transfers and some younger returning players.
Why it matters
Indiana is looking to build on its national title and maintain its status as an elite program in the Big Ten. These under-the-radar players will be crucial in helping the Hoosiers reload and remain a championship contender.
The details
Indiana wide receiver Tyler Morris missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL but is poised for a breakout year in 2026 with leading receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. heading to the NFL. Running back Khobie Martin was effective in a reserve role last season and will look to take on a bigger workload. Cornerback Carson Williams, a transfer from Montana State, and defensive lineman Daniel Ndukwe, who stepped up in the playoffs, are also players to watch on the defensive side of the ball.
- Indiana began spring practice on March 23, 2026.
- The Hoosiers are looking to defend their national championship in the 2026 season.
The players
Tyler Morris
A wide receiver who transferred from Michigan before the 2025 season but missed the entire year with a torn ACL. He's a breakout candidate for Indiana in 2026 with leading receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. heading to the NFL.
Khobie Martin
A running back who was effective in a reserve role last season, rushing for 505 yards and 6 touchdowns. He'll look to take on a bigger workload in 2026 alongside Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard.
Carson Williams
A transfer cornerback from Montana State who earned FCS Freshman All-American honors in 2025 and could step up to replace the departed All-American D'Angelo Ponds.
Daniel Ndukwe
A defensive lineman who stepped up in the playoffs last season after injuries to Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt. With those players graduating, Ndukwe is poised for a bigger role in 2026.
What they’re saying
“We're building a house from the ground up again, right? We've got to have that edge and be humble and hungry.”
— Curt Cignetti, Indiana Head Coach
What’s next
Indiana will continue spring practice over the next several weeks as they look to identify new contributors to replace key departures from their national championship team.
The takeaway
While Indiana returns several stars, the Hoosiers will need some lesser-known players to step up in 2026 in order to defend their national title. These four underrated players could be vital to Indiana's success next season.