Inside Indiana Football’s 2026 Class: Breaking Down the First Eight Commits

Indiana football is building serious momentum on the recruiting trail under head coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers’ 2026 class is off to a strong start with eight early commitments, including a mix of in-state talent and key regional pickups. Let’s take a closer look at each of these future Hoosiers, starting with the latest addition:

🏈 Trevor Gibbs – TE (Crown Point, IN)

The eighth commit in IU’s 2026 class, Trevor Gibbs, is a 6-foot-4, 235-pound two-way standout from Crown Point High School. While he played tight end and linebacker in high school, Indiana recruited him primarily for offense. Gibbs caught over 35 passes for more than 600 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior, recording 60 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He chose IU over offers from Purdue, Iowa, Cincinnati, and Boston College, citing the program’s developmental focus and coaching energy.

🔒 Kasmir Hicks – CB (Indianapolis, INN

A top in-state priority, Hicks is a four-star cornerback from Decatur Central High School. Known for his elite coverage skills and physicality, Hicks is considered one of the top defensive backs in the Midwest. His commitment was a significant win for Cignetti’s staff, signaling IU’s renewed ability to keep elite local talent home.

🛡️ Samuel Simpson – IOL (River Falls, WI

Simpson is a powerful interior offensive lineman with a mean streak in the trenches. At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, he brings a physical edge to IU’s offensive line group. He’s one of two offensive commits so far, joining Gibbsto help anchor the future of the Hoosiers’ front.

🛡️ Lawrence Timmons – CB (Gibsonia, PA)

Timmons is a versatile defensive back from Pennsylvania who brings length and speed to the secondary. His ability to play both corner and safety provides IU with flexibility in the defensive backfield. Timmons contributes to the Hoosiers’ expanding pipeline into the Northeast.

🛡️ Blake Smythe – DE (Franklin, IN)

Smythe is a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman who posted 96 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a junior. A high-motor player with strong hands, Smythe is expected to be a disruptive force on the edge or inside. He’s another in-state win for IU, continuing the trend of locking down local talent.

🛡️ Rodney White – DT (Towson, MD)

White is a stout defensive tackle from Maryland who adds size and strength to IU’s interior defensive line. His commitment extends IU’s recruiting reach into the Mid-Atlantic region, an area the staff has targeted for defensive talent.

🛡️ Jacob Savage – LB (Union, KY)

Savage is a rangy linebacker from Kentucky known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and tackling ability. He brings athleticism and depth to IU’s linebacker corps and continues the Hoosiers’ focus on defensive playmakers in the 2026 cycle.

🏃‍♂️ Henry Ohlinger – LB (Columbus, OH)

Ohlinger is a dynamic linebacker from Ohio who adds explosiveness to IU’s linebackers room. His vision and burst make him a threat. Ohlinger’s commitment strengthens IU’s presence in a key recruiting state and adds defensive firepower to the class.

🔁 Final Thoughts

Indiana’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and promising in recent memory. With a strong emphasis on in-state recruiting and a focus on both sides of the ball, Coach Cignetti and his staff are building a foundation for sustained success in Bloomington. As the class develops, the Hoosiers position themselves as a rising force in the Big Ten.