Indiana football looks pretty different these days under head coach Curt Cignetti. But honestly, a lot of the groundwork was set during Tom Allen’s time at the helm.
Heading into the 2026 season, there are still 13 players on the roster who either played for or committed to Allen’s staff. That’s not nothing. These guys have stuck around and grown, and they’re a big part of why Indiana’s been climbing the college football ladder.
This post is about those holdovers—where they’ve been, what they’re bringing to the table now, and why they matter for what’s next.
The Legacy of Tom Allen’s Recruits
Tom Allen’s run at Indiana ended on a rough note with three straight losing seasons. Even so, his recruiting left a real mark.
The 13 players still here from his era have been crucial for Indiana since Cignetti took over. Some are battle-tested vets, others are just starting to break out, but all of them have shown a real commitment to the program.
Kaiden Turner: The Earliest Commitment
Redshirt senior linebacker Kaiden Turner was one of the first to jump on board for the 2022 class. He was a three-star recruit out of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Turner hasn’t played a ton of snaps on defense, but he’s been a fixture on special teams. In 2026, he’s expected to be IU’s top backup linebacker—maybe not flashy, but definitely valuable.
Isaiah Jones: A Testament to Patience
Isaiah Jones, a three-star from London, Ohio, is pretty much the definition of patience paying off. He waited two years for real playing time, then really broke out under Cignetti and made the All-Big Ten Third Team in 2025.
Now, he’s set to lead Indiana’s defense as the starting linebacker this fall. Feels like he’s just hitting his stride.
Carter Smith: The Epitome of Loyalty
All-American left tackle Carter Smith has stuck with Indiana through coaching changes and NFL temptations. He was a four-star recruit, and he’s never wavered.
In 2026, he’ll anchor the offensive line again. The Hoosiers are lucky he never bailed.
Bray Lynch: The Unsung Hero
Bray Lynch, a three-star from Austin, Texas, has been holding down Indiana’s offensive line since 2024. He doesn’t get a ton of headlines, but his versatility and leadership have mattered a lot.
This year, he’s expected to slide over to center to replace Pat Coogan. That’s a big ask, but he seems up for it.
Jamari Sharpe: The Championship Savior
Cornerback Jamari Sharpe is the guy everyone remembers for his game-saving interception in the 2025 national title game. He’s from Miami, and he’s grown into a steady starter.
Sharpe should be a big part of the secondary again in 2026. He’s got a knack for big moments—maybe he’ll have a few more.
Special Teams Standouts
Tom Allen always put a premium on recruiting specialists, and honestly, it paid off. Especially with kicker Nico Radicic.
Radicic is the reigning Big Ten Kicker of the Year, hitting 93.5% of his field goals. He’s in the running for the Lou Groza Award this season, and it’s not hard to see why.
Nico Radicic: The Premier Kicker
Radicic was an Army All-American before he got to Bloomington, and he’s lived up to the hype. His consistency and accuracy are about as good as it gets in college football.
He’s expected to keep knocking them through in 2026. Wouldn’t bet against him.
Amare Ferrell: The Steady Performer
Defensive back Amare Ferrell has been a fixture in Indiana’s defense since his freshman year. He’s played in 41 games, started 28, and just keeps showing up.
Ferrell’s got a nose for the ball, and the Hoosiers will need his experience this fall.
Rising Stars and Depth Players
Some of Allen’s last recruits have really come into their own, and a few are poised for bigger roles in 2026. Names to know: wide receiver Charlie Becker, defensive end Quentin Clark, and offensive lineman Adedamola Ajani.
Charlie Becker: The Breakout Receiver
Charlie Becker, a three-star, has turned into one of the best receivers in college football. His ability to go up and get the ball is impressive, and he’s drawing NFL buzz for 2027.
He’s not just a deep threat—he’s a go-to guy. That’s not something Indiana’s always had.
Quentin Clark: The Versatile Defender
Quentin Clark started as a linebacker but has shifted to defensive end and special teams. He hasn’t played a ton, but his ability to move around gives Indiana some flexibility.
Depth matters, especially late in the season. Clark provides it.
Adedamola Ajani: The Promising Lineman
Adedamola Ajani, another three-star, has come along quickly under offensive line coach Bob Bostad. He’s penciled in to start at right tackle in 2026, and that should help solidify the line.
There’s still room for growth, but the tools are there.
The Future of Indiana Football
Recruiting under Curt Cignetti has kept the momentum going, building on what Tom Allen started. Indiana’s 2027 class is ranked No. 32 nationally—pretty solid, honestly.
Still, college football’s changing fast. NIL deals and revenue sharing are shaking things up in ways that are hard to predict.
Cignetti’s Perspective on Recruiting
Cignetti isn’t shy about saying the recruiting market feels a little wild right now. The rising costs and player valuations make things tricky for programs like Indiana.
But he’s sticking with it and trying to build a team that can compete, no matter what the landscape looks like. That’s easier said than done, but you’ve got to respect the effort.
Looking Ahead
Indiana football’s 2026 season is coming up fast. Players from the Tom Allen era are still hanging around, and honestly, their impact can’t be overstated.
They’ve stuck with the program, grown a ton, and really seem to get what Indiana football is all about. There’s this interesting mix now—some old faces, some new talent itching for a shot.
Could be a fun year, if things click.
For more detailed profiles and insights on these players, visit 247Sports.
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