BLOOMINGTON — The week two portions of IU football’s 2026 fall camp open to the media have concluded. Below are some insights, notes and observations from our time on the practice field.
— IU fans will remember how impactful one-year transfers like Pat Coogan and Riley Nowakowski were from a leadership standpoint. We are beginning to see some transfers emerge in leadership positions, including right tackle Joe Brunner, and edge Tobi Osunsanmi. They both addressed the full team during practice. It’s also worth noting coach Curt Cignetti hasn’t let anyone take on these roles unless they were projecting towards a big role on the field.
— Having been around this staff for a couple years now, there seems to be a sharper edge at practice this fall camp. A lot more yelling by coaches than what we can recall. At one point defensive tackle coach Pat Kuntz yelled at a freshman “you’re like a dog in traffic out there and you’re gonna get run over.” At another point defensive coordinator Bryant Haines yelled “you’re messing up the entire drill,” and another coach screamed “How are you tired already, I thought you worked hard this summer.”
There’s obviously nothing scientific to an observation like this, but it seems like there is an awareness this is a program at risk of a championship hangover.
— The last two practices were inside Memorial Stadium. Many have asked how the national championship will be recognized there, and it’s not clear yet. There is a new trophy case inside, and there are signs inside the indoor practice facility for the Big Ten and national titles. But to this point at Memorial Stadium, there is no indication IU won anything last year. Perhaps IU is waiting for gameday to unveil something, or perhaps Cignetti wants no part of that in the stadium.
— Quarterback Tyler Cherry took some second-team reps this week. That doesn’t mean he has passed Grant Wilson as the No. 2. Cignetti likes to mix things up this time of year. He’s buried on the depth chart, but Jacob Bell’s arm talent is obvious.
— Wideout Nick Marsh is going to make some “wow” plays this year. The 6-foot-3 and 213-pounder made a one-handed catch Thursday in the end zone that drew some howls. He is an elite athlete and a physical specimen. Still just 19, Marsh has already been a very productive college receiver his first two seasons. Surrounded by talent, he has a chance to really have a big season.
— We speculated coming out of spring practices and the spring game that wideout Davion Chandler was on the rise and would have a meaningful role. Nothing we’ve seen this month changes that outlook. He’s pushing older players and should get a chance for snaps despite a crowded veteran wide receiver room.
— IU has enough wide receiver depth where he shouldn’t be needed much this season, but Lavar Keys could be a guy to watch in the long term. He’s displayed some nice route-running and good hands in fall camp.
— Another freshman who physically looks the part is linebacker Jacob Savage.
— Curt Cignetti has gone out of his way to praise Ryland Gandy on one or two occasions already during fall camp, and he could be playing his way into a bigger role this year. Gandy held up fine filling in for D’Angelo Ponds once or twice last season, and IU has an open cornerback job now across from Jamari Sharpe. He looks a little bigger this year than he did in 2025.
— Second-year safeties Garrett Reese and Seaonta Stewart have impressive size at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds and 6-foot-1 and 205, respectively. They look ready physically. We’ll see if one of them emerges as a year-two contributor.
— The Hoosiers have a lot of question marks at tight end, but don’t be surprised if Trevor Gibbs plays a role right away. He’s a big guy for a true freshman, and looks like someone who could step in and block effectively. You may find yourself reminded of Riley Nowakowski at some point.
— There were signs in the spring true freshman defensive tackle Blake Smythe could see the field, and he continues to trend towards being a contender for rotational snaps. If he does play it would be very impressive. That might be the most difficult position to play early.
Mike Schumann and Seth Tow contributed to this report.
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- Find us on Instagram, X, and Facebook
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
