Why Indiana football will 'look a lot different in the fall'
Indiana football has a growing number of key contributors sidelined this spring. Here's why that's not a reason to panic:
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football fans hoping the team's annual spring game next week will give them a clear picture of what the roster will look like in 2026 might be disappointed. As the Hoosiers barrel towards the end of spring practice, coach Curt Cignetti told reporters on Thursday that there's a growing number of players sidelined with various injuries. He's mentioned a handle of specific names, including starting left tackle Carter Smith and wide receiver Charlie Becker.
They haven't been alone in the trainer's room. "We will look a lot different in the fall," Cignetti said. "You know we got a number of guys not practicing , 17 total.
" More: Joe Brunner says Indiana football is one of 'best cultures' in game Cignetti attributed the injury issues to a combination of factors starting with Indiana 's grueling postseason run. Indiana also signed a handful of players that arrive in Bloomington either recovering from or in need of offseason surgery. There's been other minor issues that have popped up in recent weeks — Becker's hamstring issue is at the top of the list — but Cignetti made sure to point out some good news.
"We've had a couple more little minor things during spring ball than we normally do, but nothing serious," he said. The other upside for Indiana is the opportunity to build out depth at a handful of key positions. Redshirt freshman Baylor Wilkin is holding down Smith's left tackle spot with the first-team offense.