Indiana has already made five additions to the 2025 offense via the transfer portal, adding several players who appear set to be key contributors next fall.
But the Hoosiers still have needs on that side of the ball after multiple starters and other regulars were lost to eligibility.
Here’s a position-by-position look at where IU still has holes to fill on offense, ranked by areas of greatest need to the least.
1. OFFENSIVE LINE: As we outlined last week, this is the biggest position of need on the offense. Indiana ostensibly needs to add an interior veteran to replace Mike Katic, and a right tackle to replace Trey Wedig. That is, unless they believe they’ve got the young talent from within ready to step up to fill these roles. To this point IU hasn’t added anyone from the portal along the line. There seems to be a lot that still needs to play out here, and that could roll through spring practice evaluations and the second portal window.
2. WIDE RECEIVER: IU had an embarrassment of riches here as they entered the 2024 season. The situation isn’t quite as bountiful at the moment, but the Hoosiers do have a solid core returning with Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper, Jr. and E.J. Williams. And they landed Makai Jackson from Appalachian State via the portal, providing another proven veteran. As much as they like to spread the ball around, it seems like a safe bet the staff would like to add at least one more veteran piece to the puzzle at wideout to join a promising group of underclassmen.
3. TIGHT END: Indiana added Wisconsin’s Riley Nowakowski to fill Zach Horton’s blocking and occasional pass catching role, but they can still use a fast, tall playmaker to diversify their looks from the tight end position. Perhaps someone like Sam West can fill that role from within. But it won’t be a surprise to see the Hoosiers try to bring in someone from the portal. Tulane’s Alex Bauman is a prospect on the radar.
4. QUARTERBACK: The Hoosiers could be done here. With veteran Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza signed, the only things missing are a backup with some experience, and some semblance of class balance. The Hoosiers have three scholarship quarterbacks who will be either redshirt freshmen or a freshman next year in Alberto Mendoza, Tyler Cherry and Jacob Bell, respectively. In a perfect world they’d sign an experienced backup, but that might be difficult to pull off, with most portal quarterbacks looking to start.
5. RUNNING BACK: Indiana could be done here as well. The Hoosiers appear to have another solid trio in Roman Hemby (Maryland), Lee Beebe (UAB), and Kaelon Black. And young players like Khobie Martin and Sean Cuono provide depth. Any further additions to this room would likely slant towards a specialty role.
Here is some essential information for the IU football offseason:
- Position-by-position roster turnover
- Scholarship players by position for 2025
- IU football transfer portal activity tracker
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