Indiana’s defense has a returning foundation to build on a wildly successful 2024 season.
On the defensive line, at linebacker, and now at cornerback, IU will have returning All-Americans, all led by Broyles Award finalist coordinator Bryant Haines.
Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds confirmed on Monday he is returning to the Hoosiers for the 2025 campaign.
“There seems to be a lot of confusion,” Ponds said in a video he posted to his X account. “Let’s get the facts straight. I’m not done yet.”
Run it back!! @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/SenS3QeRdI
— D’Angelo Ponds (@DangeloPondss) December 30, 2024
Ponds was named a second-team All-American by the Football Writers of America. He is the first IU cornerback to earn All-American honors since Tiawan Mullen in 2020.
He was graded the No. 3 coverage cornerback in the Big Ten per Pro Football Focus (84.7) during the regular season.
Ponds appeared in all 13 games with 12 starts. He totaled 55 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss. The sophomore grabbed three interceptions and broke up nine passes. He returned one interception for a touchdown against Washington. Ponds also blocked a punt at Michigan State that ended in a safety.
Indiana is slated to return their top three corners from 2024 — Ponds, Jamier Johnson and Jamari Sharpe.
Ponds’ announcement follows decisions by edge rusher Mikail Kamara and linebacker Aiden Fisher to return to Indiana for the 2025 season. They both earned 2024 All-American recognition as well, giving the Hoosiers elite talent at all three levels of their defense next season.
Here is some essential information for the IU football offseason:
- Position-by-position roster turnover
- Scholarship players by position for 2025
- IU football transfer portal activity tracker
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
- Find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
