2024 Indiana Football Roster Taking Shape For Spring Practice

The spring semester at Indiana University began Monday, and the football program has posted its first 2024 roster ahead of spring football practice. Here's a look at each position group for Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers.

Jack Ankony | Jan 9, 2024

2024 Indiana Football Roster Taking Shape For Spring Practice /

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Indiana Hoosiers

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Since being hired on Nov. 30 to replace Tom Allen, new Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti has made major changes to the roster.

Indiana's incoming transfer class currently consists of 22 players and is ranked 10th in the nation, per 247 Sports. A total of 19 players from Indiana's 2023 roster have transferred and committed to new schools, with three more still in the portal.

Indiana's 2024 high school recruiting class has 17 commits, six of which will enroll at Indiana in January and participate in spring practice. That class is currently ranked 16th in the Big Ten and 61st in the nation by 247 Sports.

The first transfer portal window closed Jan. 2 and players cannot enter the the transfer portal until the second window. That window opens for 15 days beginning on April 16 after spring practices. Undecided players that have already entered the transfer portal can commit to a new school at any time, as the windows are strictly for when players are allowed to enter the transfer portal.

The roster could change before the season begins, but here's the first look at Indiana's 2024 spring football roster, including both scholarship student-athletes and walk-ons. This isn't meant to be read as a depth chart, rather a positional breakdown of the roster, ordered by jersey number. For incoming transfers, their previous school is listed in parentheses.

Quarterback

2 Tayven Jackson, R-So., 6'3", 215
9 Kurtis Rourke, R-Sr+, 6'5", 230 (Ohio)
14 Broc Lowry, R-Fr., 6'1", 210
15 Tyler Cherry, Fr., 6'5", 205
18 Blaze McKibbin, R-Sr., 6'5", 225
19 Roman Purcell, R-Jr., 6'0", 215
Position coach: Tino Sunseri

Analysis: Indiana added Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke, who threw for 7,666 yards, 50 touchdowns and 16 interceptions across five years. Tayven Jackson returns, but outgoing quarterback transfers include Brendan Sorsby and Dexter Williams II. Freshman Tyler Cherry, a four-star prospect from Center Grove High School in Indiana, joins the Hoosiers early for spring practice. Rourke seems like the logical starter, but Cignetti said he'll still have to earn it.

Ohio Bobcats quarterback Kurtis Rourke (7) drops back in the pocket during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. — Ohio Bobcats quarterback Kurtis Rourke (7) drops back in the pocket during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium / Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Running back

6 Justice Ellison, Sr., 5'10", 210 (Wake Forest)
17 Ty Son Lawton, R-Sr.+, 5'10", 210 (James Madison)
21 Elijah Green, R-Sr., 5'11", 210 (North Carolina)
22 Kaelon Black, R-Sr., 5'10", 210 (James Madison)
25 Daniel Weems, R-So., 5'10", 200
27 Trent Howland, R-Jr., 6'3", 240
33 David Holloman, R-Jr., 6'0", 205
36 Reece Lozano, R-So., 6'1", 195
37 Declan McMahon, R-So. 6'0", 190
Position coach: John Miller

Analysis: Josh Henderson had another year of eligibility, but he declared for the NFL Draft. Jaylin Lucas is transferring to Florida State. Trent Howland returns after leading the Hoosiers with 354 yards in 2023. Four transfers – Justice Ellison, Ty Son Lawton, Elijah Green and Kaelon Black – join the Hoosiers with plenty of experience.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Justice Ellison (6) runs past Clemson Tigers cornerback Toriano Pride (23) during the second half at Truist Field. — Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Justice Ellison (6) runs past Clemson Tigers cornerback Toriano Pride (23) during the second half at Truist Field

Wide receiver

0 Andison Coby, Sr., 6'2", 175
1 Donaven McCulley, Sr., 6'5", 200
3 Omar Cooper Jr., R-So., 6'1", 195
4 Myles Price, Sr.+, 5'10", 190 (Texas Tech)
5 Ke'Shawn Williams, Sr.+, 5'11" 190 (Wake Forest)
7 E.J. Williams Jr., Sr+, 6'3", 200
8 Elijah Sarratt, Jr., 6'2", 205 (James Madison)
10 Derin McCulley, R-Sr., 6'0", 170
12 Miles Cross, Sr., 6'1", 215 (Ohio)
13 Kamryn Perry, R-So., 5'9", 165
24 Jackson Wasserstrom, R-So., 6'0", 170
29 Reece Bellin, R-Fr., 6'0", 200
80 Derrick Bohler, R-Fr., 6'1" 195
81 Brady Simmons, R-So., 6'1", 165
83 Eli Jochem, R-Jr., 6'1", 190
89 Camden Jordan, R-Jr., 6'0", 185
Position coach: Mike Shanahan (offensive coordinator)

Analysis: Indiana added four transfers, each of whom have over 1,000 career receiving yards. Cignetti was also able to convince Donaven McCulley to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Indiana after leading the Hoosiers with 644 yards last season. Young returning receivers like Omar Cooper Jr. and Kamryn Perry have potential, too. The receiver room is arguably Indiana's best.

Indiana's Donaven McCulley (1) celebrates a first down during the second half of the Indiana versus Purdue football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. — Indiana's Donaven McCulley (1) celebrates a first down during the second half of the Indiana versus Purdue football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 :: Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tight end

39 Bryce Henderson, R-Fr., 6'3", 230
44 Zach Horton, Sr., 6'4", 250 (James Madison)
45 Trey Walker, R-Sr.+, 6'5", 255
48 James Bomba, R-Jr., 6'6", 250
49 Zac Scott, R-Sr.+, 6'4", 235
82 Bradley Archer, R-Sr.+, 6'3", 245
82 Brody Kosin, Fr., 6'6", 235
85 Anthony Miller Jr., R-Fr., 6'5", 265
86 Brody Foley, R-So., 6'6", 245
88 Sam West, R-Fr., 6'4", 240
Position coach: Grant Cain

Analysis: Bradley Archer, James Bomba and Trey Walker logged most of the tight end snaps last season, and they're all returning. Aaron Steinfeldt also contributed in 2023, but he's in the transfer portal. Zach Horton was James Madison's top tight end last year at 275 yards and six touchdowns.

Indiana Hoosiers tight end Bradley Archer (82) rushes up the field Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. — Indiana Hoosiers tight end Bradley Archer (82) rushes up the field Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis :: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Offensive line

53 Vincent Fiacable, R-Jr., 6'4", 305
54 Jack Greer, R-So., 6'3", 315
55 Nick Kidwell, R-Sr.+, 6'5", 315 (James Madison)
56 Mike Katic, R-Sr.+, 6'4", 315
60 Max Longman, R-Sr.+, 6'4", 315
61 Garrett Brown, R-Fr., 6'4", 315
62 Drew Evans, R-So., 6'4", 300
63 Josh Witt, R-So., 6'3", 315
65 Carter Smith, R-So., 6'5", 305
66 Noah Bolticoff, R-Jr., 6'5", 300
68 Robby Kowalewski, R-Fr., 6'5", 255
69 Tyler Stephens, R-Sr., 6'5", 305 (James Madison)
70 Bubba Jeffries, R-Fr., 6'4", 305
71 Will Larkins, R-Fr., 6'5", 310
73 Austin Barrett, R-Fr., 6'6", 290
74 Bray Lynch, R-So., 6'5", 310
75 Trey Wedig, R-Sr., 6'7", 320 (Wisconsin)
78 Cooper Jones, R-Jr., 6'6", 310
79 Max Williams, R-So., 6'6", 310
Position coach: Bob Bostad

Analysis: Cignetti was able to get starting left tackle Carter Smith to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Indiana, a major recruiting win. Starting left guard Mike Katic originally declared for the NFL Draft, but he later decided to return to Indiana. Max Longman also contributed last season. Wisconsin transfer Trey Wedig, plus James Madison transfers Nick Kidwell and Tyler Stephens figure to compete for starting jobs.

Wisconsin offensive lineman Trey Wedig (78) in pass protection during the first quarter of their game against New Mexico State Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. — Wisconsin offensive lineman Trey Wedig (78) in pass protection during the first quarter of their game against New Mexico State Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis :: Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Defensive line

6 Mikail Kamara, Sr., 6'2", 270 (James Madison)
49 Ta'Derius Collins, R-Fr., 6'4", 235
54 Caleb King, Fr., 6'4", 260
55 Venson Sneed Jr., R-So., 6'4" 265
57 Julian Kameristy, R-Jr., 6'2", 260
58 Aden Cannon, R-So., 6'5", 260
64 Race Stewart, R-Jr., 6'3", 310
69 Carl Biddings IV, R-So., 6'0", 295
90 J'mari Monette, R-So., 6'4", 290
91 Daniel Ndukwe, Fr., 6'3", 290
92 Marcus Burris Jr., R-Jr., 6'4", 290
93 Robby Harrison, R-So., 6'3", 330
96 Philip Blidi, Sr.+, 6'3". 295
97 Mario Landino, Fr., 6'6", 265
98 Trey Laing, R-Sr.+, 6'2", 240
99 James Carpenter, R-Sr.+, 6'2", 285 (James Madison)
Position coach: Pat Kuntz (defensive tackles), Buddha Williams (defensive ends)

Analysis: Indiana lost Andre Carter, its top defensive lineman from 2023, to graduation. Patrick Lucas Jr. and LeDarrius Cox transferred out. The addition of All-Sun Belt second team linemen Mikail Kamara and James Carpenter should help replace them. Marcus Burris Jr. and Philip Blidi return after playing significant roles last season.

Akron Zips quarterback DJ Irons (0) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Philip Blidi (96) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. / Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

2 Jailin Walker, Sr., 6'1", 220 (James Madison)
7 Jacob Mangum-Farrar, Gr.+, 6'4", 240
14 Kaiden Turner, R-So., 6'2", 230
26 Joshua Rudolph, Sr., 5'11", 230
34 Jeff Utzinger, R-So., 6'2", 225
42 Darryl Minor Jr., Sr.+, 6'0", 230
43 Matt Hohlt, R-Jr., 6'2", 225
46 Isaiah Jones, R-So., 6'2", 225
48 Sam Tallen, R-So., 6'1", 225
52 Clayton Allen, R-Fr., 6'1", 180
## Aiden Fisher, Jr., 6'2", 225 (James Madison)
## Jayden McDonald, Gr.+, 6'0", 225 (Troy)
Position coach: Bryant Haines (defensive coordinator)

Analysis: Team captain and leading tackler Aaron Casey graduated, leaving big shoes to fill in the middle of the defense. Jailin Walker and Aiden Fisher received All-Sun Belt honors last year, and Jayden McDonald led Troy in tackles. They should help replace Casey, along with returning starter Jacob Mangum-Farrar.

Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Tyler Morris (8) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Jacob Mangum-Farrar (7) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. — Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Tyler Morris (8) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Jacob Mangum-Farrar (7) in the first half at Michigan Stadium / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Outside linebackers

18 Andrew Turvy, R-Jr., 6'2", 250
37 Jackson Schott, R-Jr., 6'3", 200
40 Orlando Greenlow, R-Fr., 6'5", 220
41 Lanell Carr Jr., Sr.+, 6'1", 240
47 Finn Walters, R-Fr., 6'4", 235

Analysis: Lanell Carr Jr. is the only outside linebacker with returning experience, as Indiana lost Myles Jackson and Anthony Jones. Outside linebacker, or the "Bull" position, was important under Tom Allen, and it's unclear how that will change under Curt Cignetti. There's no position coach directly assigned to outside linebackers, so it's possible players listed at linebacker or defensive line will fill this role.

Indiana's Lanell Carr Jr. (41) pressures Indiana State's Evan Olaes (7) during the first half of the Indiana versus Indiana State football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. — Indiana's Lanell Carr Jr. (41) pressures Indiana State's Evan Olaes (7) during the first half of the Indiana versus Indiana State football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 :: Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Defensive backs

0 Josh Philostin, Fr., 5'11", 180
1 Shawn Asbury II, Sr., 5'9", 195 (Old Dominion)
3 JoJo Johnson, R-Jr., 5'11", 180
5 Kobee Minor, R-Sr., 6'0", 185
9 Jamier Johnson, R-Jr., 6'0", 180
12 Terry Jones Jr., R-Sr., 6'1", 190 (Old Dominion)
15 Nic Toomer, R-Sr., 6'2", 190
17 Tyrik McDaniel, R-Sr., 6'1", 195
19 Josh Sanguinetti, R-Sr.+, 6'1", 195
20 Dontrae Henderson, Fr., 5'11", 180
22 Jamari Sharpe, R-So., 6'1", 190
24 Bryson Bonds, R-Sr., 6'1", 200
25 Amare Ferrell, So., 6'2", 210
28 Jaz Boykin, R-Fr., 6'0", 180
29 Luke Haupert, R-Fr., 6'1", 180
30 Mitchell Evans, R-So., 5'11", 195
31 Anthony Chung, R-Fr., 6'1", 185
33 Connor Hole, R-Sr., 5'11", 180
35 Aaron Stewart, R-So., 5'11", 170
36 Clay Conner, R-Fr., 6'3", 205
38 Drew Pearce, R-Jr., 5'11", 195
45 Lincoln Murff, R-Fr., 5'11", 170
Position coach: Ola Adams (safeties/defensive backs), Rod Ojong (cornerbacks)

Analysis: Indiana lost starting safeties Louis Moore (Ole Miss) and Phillip Dunnam (Florida Atlantic), who tied for the team lead with three interceptions apiece and finished top four in tackles. Old Dominion transfers Shawn Asbury II and Terry Jones Jr. should help replace them, along with returners Josh Sanguinetti, Amare Ferrell and Tyrik McDaniel. Indiana returns the bulk of its cornerback rotation from last year, including Kobee Minor, Jamari Sharpe, Nic Toomer, Jamier Johnson and JoJo Johnson. Team captain Noah Pierre, who played Indiana's "Husky" or nickel cornerback position, graduated, and Jordan Shaw transferred to Arizona.

Indiana's Josh Sanguinetti (19), Kobee Minor (5) and Nic Toomer (15) celebrate a turnover during the second half of the Indiana versus Wisconsin football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. — Indiana's Josh Sanguinetti (19), Kobee Minor (5) and Nic Toomer (15) celebrate a turnover during the second half of the Indiana versus Wisconsin football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023

Kickers

39 Nicolas Radicic, R-Fr., 5'11", 185
43 Derek McCormick, R-Sr., 6'3", 215 (Lousiana Monroe)
Position coach: Grant Cain (special teams coordinator)

Analysis: Chris Freeman, Indiana's starting kicker in 2023, transferred to UConn. That likely means a kicking competition between Louisiana Monroe transfer Derek McCormick (10-12 FG, 16-17 PAT) and Nicolas Radicic (1-1 FG, 2-2 PAT), a former high school All-American.

Excited to get back to work! pic.twitter.com/cPwjo0JZuw
— Derek McCormick (@McCormickDerek1) December 25, 2023

Punters

94 James Evans, Sr., 6'1", 220
96 Alejandro Quintero, R-Jr., 6'0", 205
Position coach: Grant Cain (special teams coordinator)

Analysis: James Evans has been Indiana's starting punter in every game since the 2021 season.

Indiana punter James Evans (94) punts during the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. — Indiana punter James Evans (94) punts during the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette :: Nikos Frazier / Journal & Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Long snappers

46 Mark Langston, R-Sr.+, 6'0", 210 (Georgia Southern)
97 Jaxon Miller, R-So., 6'0", 250

Analysis: Sean Wracher graduated after long snapping in every game for the Hoosiers since the 2019 season. Mark Langston transfers to Indiana after long snapping in 22 games at Georgia Southern. Jaxon Miller appeared in two games for the Hoosiers last season.