Indiana football is continuing to fill in some gaps through the transfer portal, but the roster still looks pretty clear.
Curt Cignetti is looking to build on his historic first season in Bloomington, and he’s built another team with high potential for 2025. Plenty could change with the roster picture, between additional portal commitments, any injuries, or position battles during fall camp.
But, with that said, here’s how The Daily Hoosierprojects Indiana’s two-deep depth chart after spring camp, with some key spring portal additions factored in.
Offense
Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza (1); Grant Wilson (2)
There’s no question over Mendoza starting. His primary backup is unclear, whether it’s his younger brother, Alberto, or Wilson. The latter gets the edge, for now, because of his experience.
Running back: Kaelon Black, Roman Hemby, Lee Beebe Jr. (committee)
The Hoosiers rotated pretty evenly between Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton last season. They appear to have a three-headed backfield entering this year, though that rotation could narrow as the season approaches. For now, it’s hard to truly anoint any of these three the “starter” over the others.
Wide receiver: Elijah Sarratt (1), Omar Cooper Jr. (1), Jonathan Brady (1); E.J. Williams Jr. (2), Makai Jackson (2), Charlie Becker (2)
Sarratt and Cooper are all but locked in. Recent portal addition Brady looks like a clear Tyler Morris replacement at slot receiver, though Cooper and Sarratt spent some time this spring working on playing slot as well. Williams and Jackson should be key factors at the position as well, and Becker earned praise for a strong spring camp.
Tight end: Holden Staes (1, receiving), Riley Nowakowski (1, blocking); James Bomba (2)
It’s probably too black-and-white to name either Staes or Nowakowski the sole starting tight end. Staes will be Indiana’s top receiving tight end, while Nowakowski will be the top blocking tight end, and both will play important roles in the offense.
Offensive line: Carter Smith (1, left tackle), Drew Evans (1, left guard), Pat Coogan (1, center), Bray Lynch (1, right guard), Zen Michalski (1, right tackle); Kahlil Benson (2, guard), Evan Lawrence (2, tackle), Jack Greer (2, center), Austin Leibfried (2, guard)
Evans’ status is the biggest question mark on the offensive line depth chart. Cignetti said IU is expecting him to return to the field during fall camp, but that’s not certain — and even if it happens, he still may not be ready for game action by the start of the season. If he is ready to suit up for the season-opener, it feels appropriate to slot him as the starter over Benson after a strong 2024 prior to his injury.
