3rd LB and Starting TE in 2026

[Stuhoo]

Seems to me that there are two positions that are most unknown going into next season.

So, who is the third LB next season? Kaiden Turner? Jeff Otzinger? Zachman as an extra safety, and a larger than usual one?

And, who is the primary TE? Schott with no spring ball? Elmore as a true freshman? True sophs Thiry or Barker?

I’m guessing Turner and Zachman split like Boykin and Isaiah did, and Barker at TE.

[Hovadipo]

I think we’ll play a majority two LB looks. Seems that we played three so much this year because it was impossible to keep one of Jones or Hardy off the field. 

Kind of wonder if we see Ohlinger or Ja’Dyn Williams play some sparingly-used 3rd LB like Hardy was his freshman year. I’m not very high on Turner or Otzinger outside of special teams and emergencies at this point. Maybe one of them will break out though. I think Baldwin can play in the box too. 

[Stuhoo]

56 minutes ago, Hovadipo said:

I think we’ll play a majority two LB looks. Seems that we played three so much this year because it was impossible to keep one of Jones or Hardy off the field. 

Kind of wonder if we see Ohlinger or Ja’Dyn Williams play some sparingly-used 3rd LB like Hardy was his freshman year. I’m not very high on Turner or Otzinger outside of special teams and emergencies at this point. Maybe one of them will break out though. I think Baldwin can play in the box too. 

I think that Haines really likes Turner in pass coverage. He came in on passing downs in the red zone against OSU when the whole defense was healthy.

[Lebowski]

Jamie Jordan does a good job at providing a 'Reactionary' depth chart.

Here's what he's thinking. 
https://hoosierhuddle.com/community/free-iu-football-board/2026-indiana-football-roster-and-depth-chart/

Here's a direct link.

At this point Turner and PJ Nelson are probably battling for the spot. Turner has more experience and that is preferred by the staff. So if I had to guess Turner gets the nod. But I agree with Hovadipo that the majority of the scheme will be two LB looks. I'm more concerned about the green dot. Fisher can't be replaced so I just hope he rubbed off on Jones enough to make the transition easier. 

Regarding the TE spot, no clue. That's the biggest question mark on the entire roster. 

[68Hoosier]

20 minutes ago, Lebowski said:

Jamie Jordan does a good job at providing a 'Reactionary' depth chart.

Here's what he's thinking. 
https://hoosierhuddle.com/community/free-iu-football-board/2026-indiana-football-roster-and-depth-chart/

Here's a direct link.

At this point Turner and PJ Nelson are probably battling for the spot. Turner has more experience and that is preferred by the staff. So if I had to guess Turner gets the nod. But I agree with Hovadipo that the majority of the scheme will be two LB looks. I'm more concerned about the green dot. Fisher can't be replaced so I just hope he rubbed off on Jones enough to make the transition easier. 

Regarding the TE spot, no clue. That's the biggest question mark on the entire roster. 

Very nice depth chart. 

[Hovadipo]

22 minutes ago, Lebowski said:

I'm more concerned about the green dot. Fisher can't be replaced so I just hope he rubbed off on Jones enough to make the transition easier.

Has it been said this will be Jones? I had been thinking Hardy personally. 

[rcbowla]

7 minutes ago, Hovadipo said:

Has it been said this will be Jones? I had been thinking Hardy personally. 

Didn't Jones have green dot when Fisher missed time? I think that's probably why most assume it'll be him. Unless I'm mistaken on him having wore it at that time.

[Hovadipo]

4 minutes ago, rcbowla said:

Didn't Jones have green dot when Fisher missed time? I think that's probably why most assume it'll be him. Unless I'm mistaken on him having wore it at that time.

Good point. Had forgotten about that. 

[Hardwood83]

1 hour ago, Lebowski said:

Jamie Jordan does a good job at providing a 'Reactionary' depth chart.

Here's what he's thinking. 
https://hoosierhuddle.com/community/free-iu-football-board/2026-indiana-football-roster-and-depth-chart/

Here's a direct link.

At this point Turner and PJ Nelson are probably battling for the spot. Turner has more experience and that is preferred by the staff. So if I had to guess Turner gets the nod. But I agree with Hovadipo that the majority of the scheme will be two LB looks. I'm more concerned about the green dot. Fisher can't be replaced so I just hope he rubbed off on Jones enough to make the transition easier. 

Regarding the TE spot, no clue. That's the biggest question mark on the entire roster. 

Interesting, that projected depth chart has every single starter and most of the 2 deep on O & D as a Jr or Sr except TE & Rover. Includes a number of 5th & 6th yr guys too. That is a lot of experience. 

[Lebowski]

2 hours ago, Hovadipo said:

Has it been said this will be Jones? I had been thinking Hardy personally. 

Yeah, I'm just assuming it's Jones based on wearing it already but you know what happens when making assumptions. 

[realTomCrean]

DB/CB/WR rooms are impressive. AJ Harris, one of the top 3 CBs in B1G in 24-25, is listed as a 2-deep. Sanks at 2-deep, wow.

DE seems to have more depth than last year. I wonder how they'll use Burnham, he was very highly touted originally at ND, never lived up to the hype. Ndukwe will be a starter before the season is over, very apparent in the CFP that he was a high-level B1G starter. Looking forward to seeing the Tulsa transfer Hjelle DT, monster at a lower level.

The obvious standout to me is the OL is all SR+ aside from Ajani. In the box offensively we are very old. Sr+ Hoover, Sr+ Beebe (dawg), Sr+ OL. I don't see a world where Indiana is any worse than 11-1.

Becker, Marsh, Chandler, Preston, Morris, Bond - good luck to opposing DBs. If Khobe Martin is the 3rd back then we are sitting pretty - guy is a stud.

ST looks to be top 5 in the country again. This is where IU separates from the 99. Guys like Clay Connor really make a difference. 

Indiana does not take a step back next year. "We are the emerging superpower in college football,why would I leave"

[CSP]

On 2/16/2026 at 10:50 AM, Lebowski said:

Jamie Jordan does a good job at providing a 'Reactionary' depth chart.

Here's what he's thinking. 
https://hoosierhuddle.com/community/free-iu-football-board/2026-indiana-football-roster-and-depth-chart/

Here's a direct link.

At this point Turner and PJ Nelson are probably battling for the spot. Turner has more experience and that is preferred by the staff. So if I had to guess Turner gets the nod. But I agree with Hovadipo that the majority of the scheme will be two LB looks. I'm more concerned about the green dot. Fisher can't be replaced so I just hope he rubbed off on Jones enough to make the transition easier. 

Regarding the TE spot, no clue. That's the biggest question mark on the entire roster. 

I will go ahead just guarantee Ben Novak will not be our #2 LT... 

[CSP]

On 2/14/2026 at 9:24 PM, Stuhoo said:

I think that Haines really likes Turner in pass coverage. He came in on passing downs in the red zone against OSU when the whole defense was healthy.

I think Turner was only in when they went heavy personnel. OSU was in 23, 22, 13 personnel these situations. 

One was 1st and goal from the 9, 1st and goal from 4, 3rd and 1 inside the 10, 2nd and 2 at the 11, 3rd and 1 at the 5

 

It was all based on personnel, though. If they went 3 TEs+--- Turner was in. 

[CSP]

Looks like we have two scholarships left, right?

Just my opinion---a TE with experience would be nice for one of those two spots, and basically BPA on the other. OL, LB maybe sits a top the charts for "needs" but certainly nothing dire, outside of TE.

We certainly don't need any more WRs, DBs, DLs, or really RBs... with Cherry back we don't need a QB, either. But I mean, if we add a stud any where.... so be it. 

[realTomCrean]

1 hour ago, CSP said:

Looks like we have two scholarships left, right?

Just my opinion---a TE with experience would be nice for one of those two spots, and basically BPA on the other. OL, LB maybe sits a top the charts for "needs" but certainly nothing dire, outside of TE.

We certainly don't need any more WRs, DBs, DLs, or really RBs... with Cherry back we don't need a QB, either. But I mean, if we add a stud any where.... so be it. 

Are there still key players in the portal,or is the portal even open?

[CSP]

29 minutes ago, realTomCrean said:

Are there still key players in the portal,or is the portal even open?

That I don't know. Maybe more likely we put two walk ons on scholly?