The NFL can wait.
All-American left tackle Carter Smith announced Friday evening he is returning to school for his fifth and final year of eligibility.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Hoosiers, I’m not going anywhere! Year 5 let’s run it back!” Smith wrote on his X page.
Smith was First Team All-Big Ten, the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, and a First Team All-American in 2025.
He did not give up a sack all season until the national championship game.
Smith provides a returning anchor to the left side of IU’s offensive line. The Hoosiers will also return guards Drew Evans and Bray Lynch up front, and they’ve landed Wisconsin transfer guard Joe Brunner from the transfer portal. Lynch could possibly move to center next season to replace the departing Pat Coogan, while Adedamola Ajani could be in line to start at right tackle, after seeing action there this season.
For a complete position-by-position look at IU football’s 2026 roster, GO HERE:
IU football: Position-by-position look at anticipated 2026 roster changes
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