The preseason recognition continues to roll in for No. 6 Indiana.
IU football quarterback Josh Hoover was named this week to the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Preseason Watch List, a list that includes 30 of the nation’s top returning college quarterbacks. The 2025 award was won by Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Hoover is one of six Big Ten quarterbacks on this year’s watch list.
No. 10 ➡️ No. 80. pic.twitter.com/Zd9Z439vLv
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) August 21, 2026
Wide receiver Charlie Becker is on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. It’s the third preseason watch list Becker has been named to. The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, split end, inside receiver, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award.
Edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi has been named to the Comeback Player of the Year Watch List. Since 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. While playing for Kansas State, Osunsanmi suffered a season-ending injury in early October of 2025 and missed the final six games of the season. He’s in line for a significant role as the Stud (hybrid edge rusher/outside linebacker) for IU this season.
Finally, three Hoosiers are on the preseason watch list for the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award, released Friday by the Maxwell Football Club. Isaiah Jones, Rolijah Hardy and Tyrique Tucker are among 91 players listed in consideration for the College Defensive Player of the Year honor. They comprise three of the 19 Big Ten players on the watch list.
MORE IU PLAYERS ON 2026 PRESEASON WATCH LISTS
- Doak Walker Award – Turbo Richard and Khobie Martin
- Butkus Award – Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy
- Lombardi Award – Isaiah Jones, Tyrique Tucker, Rolijah Hardy and Carter Smith
- Wuerffel Trophy – Charlie Becker
- Jim Thorpe Award – Amare Ferrell
- Lou Groza Award – Nico Radicic
- Rimington Trophy – Bray Lynch
- Nagurki Trophy – Rolijah Hardy, Isaiah Jones, Tyrique Tucker, Amare Ferrell
- Outland Trophy – Carter Smith and Tyrique Tucker
- Maxwell Award – Josh Hoover
- Mannelly Award – Drew Clausen
- Good Works Team – Charlie Becker
- Dodd Trophy — Curt Cignetti
- Lott Trophy — Tyrique Tucker and Jamari Sharpe
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