Indiana will open the 2026 season about as healthy as it could hope for.
On Monday ahead of his team’s season debut, head coach Curt Cignetti revealed the team has suffered no serious injuries at fall camp.
“We didn’t lose anyone other than probably (freshman tight end Trevor) Gibbs would be questionable for the game,” Cignetti said. “He would be the only one.”
Gibbs had emerged as one of three young tight ends competing for snaps during fall camp. His setback will likely mean Andrew Barker or Brock Schott will see the majority of the action.
The health trend has been favorable since a spring when several players missed time due to postseason surgeries.
The Hoosiers welcomed a new strength and conditioning staff in January, led by Tyson Brown.
WELCOME BACK TAYVEN
Saturday will mark the return of Tayven Jackson, who played for Tom Allen at Indiana in 2023, and Cignetti in 2024.
Jackson was named the North Texas starter last week.
As a backup to Kurtis Rourke, Jackson filled in admirably for Cignetti when duty called.
“Tayven played really good football for us in ’24,” Cignetti said on Monday. “Came in at halftime in a Nebraska game and played a great second half. Started the next week against Washington, a game that we won.
“He’s very talented. He’s got a live arm. He can run. He’s a good athlete. Started a number of games last season. He’s a good player.”
Jackson’s brother, IU basketball legend Trayce Jackson-Davis, said on social media he’ll be in attendance on Saturday.
HARRIS AND GANDY STILL COMPETING AT CB
One of the fall camp competitions for a starter role played out at cornerback opposite Jamari Sharpe. Penn State transfer A.J. Harris and returner Ryland Gandy are locked in that battle.
Harris suffered a minor knee injury during camp, but Cignetti says he’s back at practice and the competition is ongoing.
Cignetti also revealed he would like to be a bit deeper on the back end of the secondary.
“(Amare) Ferrell has had a really good camp. The free safety spot, got two veterans there that can also play rover,” Cignetti said. “Wish we had a little bit more depth at the safety position, but we are where we are.”
The main four players to play the free safety, strong safety and rover spots are Ferrell, Wisconsin transfer Preston Zachman, Cincinnati transfer Quan Sanks and sophomore returner Byron Baldwin.
One competition that is not ongoing is at center. Cignetti confirmed Bray Lynch will start there on Saturday.
“Bray Lynch will be the center,” Cignetti said. “He’s a veteran guy. He’s smart. Snaps the ball well. I feel good about it.”
IU football game 1: Early facts, odds, projections, details vs. North Texas
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 X: @daily_hoosier and find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
