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Indiana's Transfer Portal Dominance Shows Staying Power for 2026
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- Indiana's Transfer Portal Dominance Shows Staying Power for 2026
After back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff and a chance to win the national championship on Monday night, Indiana has already proven it has staying power and isn't a short-term wonder behind coach Curt Cignetti. But if you needed more evidence the Hoosiers aren't going anywhere in 2026 despite the loss of several key players, this year's transfer portal haul provides plenty of proof Cignetti's program is here to stay.
Indiana is one of the clear early winners from the '26 transfer portal window, as Cignetti has assembled one of the top hauls with help on both sides of the ball and on special teams. And similar to his first two transfer classes in Bloomington, Cignetti prioritized production over potential.
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Quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza will be missed, but TCU transfer Josh Hoover should slide into the starting role and ensure the offense won't miss a beat. In 36 games with the Horned Frogs, Hoover threw for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns. After Cignetti had high-level success with '24 starter Kurtis Rourke and Mendoza this year, it's hard to doubt this staff on evaluation and quarterback production.
Although Indiana's offensive line could return largely intact next fall, the skill talent is facing a significant overhaul. However, the addition of Boston College transfer Turbo Richard should alleviate the loss of running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black . Richard ran for 749 yards (5.2 yards per carry) on 145 attempts for the Eagles this year.
Receivers Elijah Sarratt (15 touchdown catches), E.J. Williams, and potentially Omar Cooper will leave big shoes to fill next fall. But Cignetti's work in the portal to land transfers Nick Marsh ( Michigan State ) and Shazz Preston (Tulane) ensures Hoover won't lack for weapons. Also, former Michigan transfer Tyler Morris should be ready to contribute after missing '25 due to injury.
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Wisconsin transfer Joe Brunner gives Cignetti a proven Big Ten lineman (1,541 career snaps) to help along the interior of the offensive line.
Indiana University Defensive Coordinator Bryant Haines instructs players during fall practice at the Mellencamp Pavilion at Indiana University on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
Half of Indiana's 16 added transfers (eight) reside on defense. Coordinator Bryant Haines assembled one of the nation's top groups in '25 but will have some turnover at every level. Navigating the personnel departures was made a lot easier by the acquisitions through the portal.
Help is on the way to restock the edge in the form of Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State), Chiddi Obiazor (Kansas State), and Joshua Burnham ( Notre Dame ). And on the interior, Tulsa transfer Joe Hjelle flashed potential on less than 400 snaps in '25. Those four additions will play a huge role next fall with Mikail Kamara , Hosea Wheeler , and Stephen Daley moving on to the NFL .
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The other four defensive additions from the portal are all in the secondary to replenish a unit set to lose safety Louis Moore and versatile playmaker Devan Boykin , while top cornerback D'Angelo Ponds could opt to leave for the NFL.
Regardless of how the NFL Draft declarations play out, Haines and Cignetti are prepared for '26. Penn State transfer AJ Harris and Montana State's Carson Williams arrive to fill the void at corner, while JiQuan Sanks (Cincinnati) and Preston Zachman (Wisconsin) will help at safety. Both Harris and Zachman were limited due to injury this year, but both players were considered among the Big Ten's top defensive backs entering '25.
Cignetti's first act in Bloomington featured a 26-2 record, two playoff trips, and an appearance in the College Football Playoff national championship against Miami. With several key players departing, the '26 season is the start of the second act for Cignetti at Indiana. But with a solid foundation established over the last two years, a track record of player development, along with an ability to attract high-level talent from the portal, the Hoosiers are here to stay as one of the new powers in college football .
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Related: 5 Reasons Why Indiana Will Beat Miami to Win Its First National Championship
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
