A dozen Indiana football players get USA Today All-Big Ten preseason honors

BLOOMINGTON — In the wake of its historic national championship season in 2025, Indiana finds its top players scattered throughout USA TODAY Network’s preseason All-Big Ten team this summer.

Seven Hoosiers landed first-team honors, across offense, defense and special teams. A further five garnered honorable-mention recognition, while two were picked for individual preseason honors as well.

As a team, IU was picked by a panel of network voters to finish third in the conference in 2026, behind Ohio State (11 first-place votes) and Oregon (five first-place votes).

Individually, linebacker Rolijah Hardy was tabbed preseason defensive player of the year, as well as being recognized as a unanimous first-team selection at linebacker.

Quarterback Josh Hoover was picked as preseason newcomer of the year.

Curt Cignetti’s program landed two players, wide receiver Charlie Becker and offensive tackle Carter Smith, on the USA TODAY All-Big Ten first team. Smith is also the conference’s reigning offensive lineman of the year.

Three more — wide receiver Nick Marsh, as well as offensive linemen Drew Evans and Joe Brunner — earned honorable-mention honors on offense.

On defense, Hardy was joined by defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker, linebacker Isaiah Jones and safety Amare Ferrell. Two further Hoosiers, defensive tackle Mario Landino and cornerback Jamari Sharpe, were named honorable mention.

Reigning Big Ten kicker of the year Nico Radicic was picked first-team all-league at his position.

Indiana begins Cignetti’s third season considered a top-five team nationally, with the Hoosiers widely expected to compete for a second-straight conference title and a third-straight College Football Playoff berth. 

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: A dozen Indiana football players get USA Today All-Big Ten preseason honors