IU football offensive tackle Carter Smith highlights the program’s top returning players in 2026.
The Big Ten’s 2025 offensive lineman of the year was named by Pro Football Focus as the top returning offensive tackle in the nation.
Three other Hoosiers are among the top-10 returners at their respective positions according to PFF. They are summarized below.
Included are some interesting data points about each player highlighting their elite production thus far.
Note: PFF hasn’t published such information for defensive backs or linebackers.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
1. Carter Smith, Indiana
“Smith is entering his fourth year as Indiana’s starting left tackle and is the only returning tackle in the FBS who posted top-10 grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker in 2025.”
OFFENSIVE GUARD
9. Drew Evans, Indiana
“He has performed admirably in pass protection, tallying an 81.5 PFF pass-blocking grade since 2024 with zero sacks allowed on 656 career pass-blocking snaps. Evans wrapped up 2025 as one of the 20 most valuable guards in America, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. ”
WIDE RECEIVER
8. Charlie Becker, Indiana
“The sophomore’s 90.0 PFF grade from Week 11 on was the highest in the country by 2.5 points, while his 522 receiving yards in that stretch were third. Becker’s 3.41 yards per route run on the season were second to only Jeremiah Smith in the Power Four, while his 89.1 PFF grade was third in the nation to Makai Lemon and Smith.”
INTERIOR DL
6. Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
“His seven sacks this season were tied for the most in the Power Four, while his 85.6 PFF run-defense grade over the last two years is the highest of anyone on this list. Tucker is the fifth-most valuable Power Four interior defender from the 2025 season that’s returning to school, according to PFF’s WAA metric.”
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