A week removed from the program’s first national title, Indiana fans can begin thinking about another first: A repeat.
IU coach Curt Cignetti’s emphasis on production over potential has the Hoosiers in reload mode as they aim to do it again in 2026.
Multiple national outlets project Indiana has a top-10 national transfer portal class ahead of the 2026 season.
At 247Sports, Indiana’s 17 player incoming portal class ranks No. 7 nationally. That outlet says the Hoosiers are adding five 4-stars and nine 3-star transfers. The 4-stars at 247 are receiver Nick Marsh (Michigan State), edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State), quarterback Josh Hoover (TCU), guard Joe Brunner (Wisconsin) and corner A.J. Harris (Penn State).
On3’s Team Transfer Portal Index measures a team’s production during the transfer process, compared against its roster and not a comparison against other schools. By considering both transfers in and out, their algorithm determines if a school has improved its overall team talent, stayed the same, or declined in talent during the transfer window.
On3 says IU has three 4-stars coming in and none leaving, and 14 3-stars coming in and nine leaving — and the Hoosiers have the No. 1 overall class according to their model.
ESPN said as of Friday Indiana has the No. 3 portal class for next season. Here’s what that outlet said about the new incoming group of Hoosiers:
Few programs have taken advantage of the portal like Indiana, and coach Curt Cignetti stuck to his blueprint again for 2026 by prioritizing starting experience at positions of need to coalesce around a new quarterback.
Josh Hoover doesn’t have the physical upside of other top-ranked transfer quarterbacks, but he has enough arm strength and accuracy to push the ball vertically in Indiana’s system if he can keep his turnovers in check. He has a ready-made No. 1 wide receiver in Nick Marsh. The Michigan State transfer is Indiana’s highest-ranked portal addition because of his 6-foot-3 frame, speed and big-play ability. Expect him to step into Elijah Sarratt’s role seamlessly.
Elsewhere, Joe Brunner comes over from Wisconsin and is a coveted experienced plug-and-play OL. Boston College running back Turbo Richard is a great scheme fit at a position that will lose two trusted seniors. Defensively, Indiana restocked with Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State), AJ Harris (Penn State) Joshua Burnham (Notre Dame), Chiddi Obiazor (Kansas State) and Joe Hjelle (Tulsa) — a group that arrives with 162 combined games of college experience.
IU also has a consensus national top-35 incoming high school class of 2026 according to these outlets.
For a complete list of Indiana’s 2026 transfer portal additions with links to their bios, GO HERE:
For a position-by-position look at IU’s projected 2026 team, GO HERE.
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
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