IU football spring position preview: Linebackers

With spring football approaching, we’re going position by position looking at Indiana’s roster.

The Hoosiers didn’t lose a lot at linebacker from last year in terms of numbers.

But they did lose a massive presence in the middle of the defense when Aiden Fisher wrapped his collegiate career by lifting the CFP National Championship trophy. Fisher was the unquestioned leader on IU’s defense, and one of the entire team’s biggest leaders. And he played the game in a manner befitting that role.

There’s no way to truly make up for losing a player like that. But Bryant Haines’ linebacker group will nonetheless be very good again in 2026. Both Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy return after playing very well throughout the 2025 campaign. Jones was such a breakout star, Haines adapted his defensive system to get him on the field more often. This year, with Fisher gone, we could see him shift back to the 4-2-5 Indiana utilized in 2024.

Something pretty drastic would need to happen for Jones or Hardy to be unseated in the starting lineup. The depth chart behind them could have some competition, though. Kaiden Turner is back as a redshirt senior, and it’s certainly plausible he could play his way into a role this fall. But, if nothing else, he should be the primary backup linebacker.

Former walk-on Jeff Utzinger was placed on scholarship ahead of last season, and he got on the field pretty consistently, though mainly on special teams. He’s held up capably when needed at linebacker, and could factor into the defense more in 2026.

With so much experience in the room, it feels unlikely that redshirt freshmen Amari Kamara and PJ Nelson will be able to crack the depth chart. But if they show out in spring ball and fall camp, it can’t be ruled out.