Indiana
B1G 2024: Indiana Football and Defense
Now it’s time to briefly discuss the Hoosier defense. Same as the offense, not a ton is known about how the Indiana Hoosiers will stack up defensively this year. With attrition and coaching changes, there’s so many question marks I can’t possible forecast with any certainty how it will go. Which isn’t much fun, but here’s some things to learn and watch this offseason.
Bryant Haines
Bryant Haines is the new defensive coordinator for Indiana. Haines comes to us from James Madison University and has been with Curt Cignetti since the Elon days. Officially taking over solo defensive coordinator for JMU in 2022, Haines has been at least co-dc since 2019.
A lot of faith has been placed in Haines. Cignetti described his influence on the defense as way more limited than his influence on the offense. For that reason, and I assume because Cignetti has a lot of faith in Haines, Bryant Haines is Indiana’s first million dollar coordinator in program history. Haines is scheduled to make $1.025 million prior to incentive bonuses. Will it help turn around the smelly turd that has been IU’s defense in the last few years? We’ll see.
Depth
To put it simply, there’s a ton of depth concerns on the defense. With the number of outgoing transfers and graduations coupled with the limited number of incoming transfers, it’s difficult to really even squint and see positive momentum on that side of the ball. Will it get better eventually? Maybe. But if Indiana isn’t able to really coach up some of the bench players that have stayed, they could be in real trouble.
Defensive Line and Pressure
Indiana isn’t exactly known for having many guys that can consistently pressure the opposing QB. They also aren’t known for having big dudes in the trenches and making it hard to run. That’s a majority of the reason that Indiana has struggled on defense since the beginning of time. Even the couple years under Kane Wommack, the defense relied on pressure from corners, safeties, and linebackers. It’s incredibly rare that Indiana actually gets a D-line to pressure QB’s at all. In fact, as a team in 2023 and in 2022, Indiana only recorded 20 total sacks. That’s good for 10th in 2022 and last in 2023. If Indiana is able to get their lines to compete and pressure QB’s they can find some success. If not, I think it’s going to be shootout city for this program this season.
Returning and Transferring Players of Note
Transfers
Jayden McDonald – LB – Troy
Terry Jones – S – Old Dominion
Shawn Asbury II – S – Old Dominion
Jailin Walker – LB – James Madison (JMU)
James Carpenter – DL – JMU
Aiden Fisher – LB – JMU
Mikail Kamara – DL – JMU
Cedarius Doss – CB – Austin Peay
Now we turn to questions for our panel of “writers:”
1) Indiana was supposedly a defensive school for the last three years, but gave up on average 394 YPG in 2023, 449 YPG in 2022, and 384 in 2021. That ranks dead last in YPG in 2023 and 2022 in the B1G. If Indiana is able to simply have a middle of the road defensive scheme, do fancy Indiana’s chances to get to a bowl?
2) If you’re putting your child/nephew/niece down for the night, what’s your go-to book to read them?
Jesse: At first I thought, “surely Indiana’s defense suffered from being on the field a lot and that’s why they give up so many YPG.” But uh… the underlying don’t look much better with YPP, Rushing YPG, and passing YPG all near the bottom of the conference. Getting a new defensive coordinator can change everything, though. As a Nebraska fan who saw what Pelini did, and then didn’t, and then did again AND even looking at the world of difference Tony White did in a year, it’s possible to have a turnaround.
That said, do I think it ups the odds? I dunno. Middle of the road doesn’t fix all the woes of previous regimes and they usually come out at the worst times. It’s a step in the right direction for sure, but there are a lot of fundamental flaws to fix here.
As for go-to book? Currently all-in on Mo Willems books in general. Been a big fan of Gerald and Piggie lately with “A Big Guy Took My Ball” getting a good chuckle each time from me.
Kind of…: It’s the B1G. “Middle of the road” is still a big ask. If Indiana were in the Big 12 and was middle of the road on defense, then we’re talking 8-4 or something. But, no, I see Indiana losing glorious shootouts more easily that suddenly looking stout-ish on D. But I could be wrong. And so could anybody else. Because we live in Portal World now and nobody knows shit. (I do like Indiana’s overall future compared to the last three years.)
AlmaOtter: Hard to really project out with a brand-new staff and roster, but I’ll optimistically say that regression to the mean gives the Hoosiers a slight boost? Don’t think that a bowl in year 1 is impossible, but I’d take the under. 5-7 seems fair.
When I was in Milwaukee last month, I did read a lot of books to my nephew, but they never really put him to sleep. That kid does not want to go down for naps at all. That said, I did get my buddy/OTE commenter Verdauga a copy of the Knight Owl for his son’s birthday and that’s apparently been a hit!
Do you have any thoughts on Indiana’s defense other than “bad”? Let us know down below!
Indiana football’s Curt Cignetti raises concerns over costs
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is speaking out on rising roster costs. Cignetti says players should get paid, but universities can’t handle it.
Josh Hoover is replacing a guy who won the Heisman Trophy while leading Indiana football to a national championship. No pressure there, right?
Being the guy who replaces the guy brings Hoover the distinction as the top college football transfer entering the 2026 season, according to Billy Tucker of ESPN.
The Hoosiers have four players on this 100-player list, three of them in the top 20.
According to the story: “Each player is ranked based on a team’s need and what physical skill set they bring to their new team.”
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Need: “With Fernando Mendoza off to the NFL and backup Alberto Mendoza having transferred to Georgia Tech, the Hoosiers needed another experienced passer capable of sustaining College Football Playoff expectations in Bloomington. Indiana has become one of the portal’s premier destinations for quarterbacks, and Hoover, who transferred from TCU, is next in line after Kurtis Rourke and national champion and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.”
Value: “Hoover gives (coach) Curt Cignetti extensive experience, skill and production after throwing for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU. He is a confident gunslinger who thrives pushing the ball vertically and operating within RPO concepts. His swagger and aggressiveness should unlock explosive plays through the air, albeit with some volatility. Hoover has 42 career turnovers and only one season without double-digit interceptions.”
No. 11: Nick Marsh, Indiana wide receiver
Need: “Marsh is a proven No. 1 receiver as the Hoosiers transition to a new era at the position after Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt moved on to the NFL. They couldn’t afford to wait on a younger, more projectable receiver. Marsh instead is a ready-made top target and established focal point. He should be the clear primary receiving option.”
Value: “A former ESPN 300 recruit, Marsh led Michigan State in receiving in back-to-back seasons, totaling 100 catches for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-3, 203 pounds, he brings Big Ten-ready size paired with vertical speed, allowing him to win downfield and on contested 50-50 opportunities. He is effective as a deep threat and as a physical receiver who can work through contact. Cignetti saw Marsh’s ability up close. He had 12 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns across two games against Indiana, reinforcing his ability to elevate the passing attack immediately.”
No. 18: Tobi Osunsanmi, Indiana edge rusher
Need: “Adding Osunsanmi, a Kansas State transfer, will help Indiana reload for its national title defense. The Hoosiers lost Mikail Kamara, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, creating a clear need along the defensive front. Osunsanmi is an ideal plug-and-play addition. The versatile pass rusher should translate fluidly to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ scheme.”
Value: “Osunsanmi suffered a season-ending injury that forced him to miss the second half of last season, but he flashed during the spring, creating havoc up front. He brings a strong combination of speed and power to pressure offensive tackles. His power allows him to play stout at the point of attack, set the edge or walk blockers back into the backfield to collapse the pocket. He also has the quickness and agility to win on loops and stunts, along with a motor that shows up in pursuit outside the box.”
Need: “The Hoosiers lost their two leading rushers from last season’s championship team with running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, who combined for 2,160 yards, off to the NFL. Though they return two other productive backs in Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr., they also added production in the transfer portal with Richard, a Boston College back with a scheme-fitting skill set. The 5-8 rusher didn’t have many Power 4 offers out of high school, but one of the first programs to offer him was James Madison when Cignetti was at the helm.”
Value: “Richard had a very productive season in 2025 with 749 yards on the ground. He has a compact build that helps him play with a low center of gravity and the ability to break tackles. His running style is patient as he has a good feel to cut off the backside of blocks. He runs behind his pads and finishes runs with good demeanor. As a receiver out of the backfield, he also provides a reliable checkdown option. Cignetti noted that he liked what Richard did this spring as he will have the opportunity to be impactful and a reliable option at running back for an Indiana team that is looking to repeat.”
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Two future Boilermakers are taking the floor and will go head-to-head during Indiana All-Star Week. 2026 signee Luke Ertel and 2027 commit Isaiah Hill are battling it out on Wednesday, June 3, as the Indiana All-Stars will play the Indiana Junior All-Stars.
Wednesday will be the third time Ertel and Hill have played against each other this season. During the IHSAA basketball season, Ertel’s Mt. Vernon team took on Hill’s Pike squad twice.
Hill led the Red Devils to an 84-81 overtime victory during the regular season. In the Regional of the Class 4A IHSAA Basketball Tournament, Ertel guided Mt. Vernon to a 57-54 overtime victory. The Marauders went on to win the state championship.
Who will win the third and decisive battle between the future Boilermakers on Wednesday? Here’s the information necessary to watch the game.
How to watch the Indiana All-Star Game
- What — Indiana Junior All-Stars vs. Indiana All-Stars
- When — Wednesday, June 3, 2026
- Where — Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville, Ind.
- Tipoff time — 8 p.m. ET (approx.)
- Ticket price — $15
- Stream — ISC Indiana Sports Network YouTube Channel
Hill participated in Indiana-Kentucky Jr. All-Star Game
Wednesday night’s Junior-Senior All-Star Game will be the second time Hill has competed during Indiana All-Star Week. The Pike star and five-star center also played in Sunday’s Indiana-Kentucky Junior All-Star Game.
Hill put together a solid performance, scoring 15 points, grabbing a team-high seven rebounds and recording three blocks. His efforts helped lead Indiana to a 109-99 victory over Kentucky.
Ertel and the Indiana All-Stars have not yet played during Indiana All-Star Week, with their first game scheduled for Wednesday against the Junior All-Stars. Then, to close out the week, Ertel will participate in the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Series, with games being played in Lexington and Indianapolis.
Ertel, Hill highly rated recruits in respective classes
There’s already plenty of hype surrounding Ertel and Hill, both players who are highly-ranked recruits in their respective classes.
Ertel is the top-ranked player from Indiana in the 2026 recruiting class and is considered a top-50 prospect by 247Sports. He was named Indiana Mr. Basketball, averaging 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game in his senior season at Mt. Vernon.
Hill is a year younger, but became the highest-ranked recruit ever to commit to play at Purdue. The 2027 product was a star at Pike High School during his junior season, averaging 12.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game. He is a five-star prospect and ranked as the No. 10 player in the class, per ESPN.
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GASTON, Ind. (WKRC) – An Indiana man was accused of sexually assaulting a young homeless woman in a barn.
According to WXIN, 34-year-old Dale E. Bosworth was arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a homeless 18-year-old woman in a barn after the two connected through social media.
WXIN reported that Bosworth picked up the woman on May 24 while visiting Kokomo, Indiana, and brought her back to his home after seeing a Facebook post in which she said she had no money and nowhere to stay.
Court documents obtained and reviewed by WXIN state that Bosworth and his wife picked up the woman in a truck around 10 p.m. and drove her to their home. The woman stayed the night and was later offered $100 to perform work in a barn in Delaware County.
According to WXIN, Bosworth drove the woman to a friend’s barn in Gaston, Indiana. While the two were alone, Bosworth allegedly asked if she wanted to “fool around.” The woman told law enforcement she did not respond to the question. Bosworth then allegedly began rubbing her back and unzipped his overalls.
WXIN reported that Bosworth is accused of sexually assaulting the woman until he heard a noise near the barn. He later allegedly told his friend that the woman was refusing to work and that he needed to take her back to his home.
During the drive back to Marion, Indiana, the woman used the “Texty” app to contact Grant County 911 and reported that she had been raped, according to WXIN.
Authorities in Grant County then contacted the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies later located and stopped Bosworth’s vehicle, per the report.
While being questioned by investigators, Bosworth reportedly admitted that the woman had stayed at his home. Court documents reviewed by WXIN state that he spent “well over 20 minutes” explaining how he came to be alone with the alleged victim while denying any sexual contact.
When asked whether his DNA would be found on the woman’s body, Bosworth allegedly admitted to certain sexual acts. According to WXIN, he told investigators that the woman “did not say yes or no” when he asked her to undress and engage in sexual intercourse, but claimed she “looked at him” when he asked.
Authorities said Bosworth later admitted to portions of the assault after initially providing false statements and reportedly told investigators that “cops freak him out,” according to the report.
Bosworth was arrested and charged with the following, per WXIN:
According to WXIN, investigators determined that Bosworth knowingly and intentionally caused the woman to submit to sexual conduct, which constitutes rape under Indiana law.
He is being held without bond at the Delaware County Jail, WXIN reported.
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