The Crimson Quarry
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Indiana men’s basketball 2026-27 player preview: Aiden Sherrell
Indiana’s biggest transfer haul lands power forward Aiden Sherrell from Alabama. The 22‑year‑old, a junior who broke out as a sophomore, posts an 8.5% block rate (top‑40 nationally) and a 10.5% offensive rebounding rate. He entered the portal as a potential NBA prospect, and Indiana coach Darian DeVries plans to start him at the four, backing him up with Trent Sisley if senior Sam Alexis returns. Sherrell also shot 33.8% from three last season, offering the Hoosiers a needed floor‑spacer. Staying on the floor—averaging under 24 minutes and 2.1 fouls per game at Alabama—could boost Indiana’s rim protection and rebounding for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Indiana men’s basketball 2026-27 player preview: Markus Burton
Indiana lands former Notre Dame point guard Markus Burton, the No. 6 transfer guard of the 2025 class, to fill a backcourt void after losing three seniors. Burton, a four‑year veteran, started every game as a freshman and scored 17.5 points with 4.5 assists, peaking at 21.3 points per game his sophomore year and shooting 37.5% from three in 2024‑25. With two years of eligibility left, he returns from a brief injury‑shortened 2025‑26 season. Coach Darian DeVries may let Burton drive to the basket or spread the floor alongside Bryce Lindsey to open lanes for interior players like Samet Ygitoglu and Jaeden Mustaf, making him a versatile offensive boost for the Hoosiers.
Hoosiers Daily News: QB Josh Hoover listed as probable against Minnesota
Indiana’s starting quarterback Josh Hoover, who played through an arm injury against Michigan last Saturday, is listed as a probable for the homecoming game against Minnesota on Friday, Oct. 29. Wide receiver Davion Chandler and defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt are out, while Quan Sanks is questionable. The report clarifies that an availability listing isn’t an injury report and could change before kickoff. Hoosiers fans can expect Hoover to suit up as the team prepares for the matchup at Memorial Stadium.
Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. earns back-to-back NFL Rookie of the Week awards
Former Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. earns his second consecutive Pepsi Rookie of the Week award after a 115-yard, one‑touchdown performance with five catches versus the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 25. The Jets rookie follows a 103‑yard, one‑touchdown game against New England the week prior, becoming only the eighth player since the AFL‑NFL merger to post 100+ receiving yards in two of his first three career games and the first Jet to do so. The back‑to‑back feats put Cooper in early conversation for NFL Rookie of the Year.
3 takeaways from Indiana women’s basketball’s 87-39 exhibition win over Marian
Indiana women’s basketball dominates Marian 87-39 in their sole 2026-27 exhibition, showcasing a rebuilt roster. The team tallies 28 assists to 12 turnovers, with Lenee Beaumont and Kenzie Hare each dishing out eight. Freshman McDonald’s All‑American Addy Nyemchek earns a start, posting 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Transfer point guard Malia Samuels steps in after Nevaeh Caffey’s departure, while Kenzie Hare erupts from deep, hitting six of ten 3‑point attempts for a team‑high 18 points. The performance hints at Indiana’s intent to rebound from last season’s NCAA miss.
Predicting Indiana men’s basketball’s 2026-27 season
Indiana men’s basketball opens its 2026‑27 campaign under second‑year head coach Darian DeVries against Eastern Illinois at Assembly Hall. After a roster overhaul focused on frontcourt size, only one scholarship player from last season, Trent Sisley, remains. The Hoosiers hope to improve on sub‑.500 conference records and break a long‑standing rebounding slump, with new 7‑footers targeting top‑10 national offensive boards. Key scoring candidates include veteran Markus Burton, portal recruit Aiden Sherrell, and versatile sixth‑man Bryce Lindsay. Freshmen Prince‑Alexander Moody, Vaughn Karvala, Trevor Manhertz and Clemens Sokolov could also make early impacts as fans predict wins, leaders, and unit strengths.
3 takeaways from Indiana men’s basketball’s 3-game exhibition slate
Indiana wraps its three-game preseason with wins over Butler (96-68), North Carolina (76-58) and Western Kentucky (79-74), but the real test begins Monday against Eastern Illinois. Coach Darian DeVries’s focus on size paid off: the Hoosiers posted a 40% offensive rebounding rate (third nationally last season) and a 79% defensive rate that would have led the nation. However, transition defense could lag against faster teams, and the offense struggled with a 17% turnover rate, above the 12% target. Guard Marcus Burton and Bryce Lindsay are expected to lead scoring while the frontcourt provides extra possessions.
Indiana football: Minnesota insider answers questions on the Golden Gophers
Ahead of Indiana’s homecoming clash, a Daily Gopher insider breaks down Minnesota’s season under P.J. Fleck. He praises the coach’s culture‑building and seven straight bowl wins, but notes fans still crave the consistency of the 2019 double‑digit campaign. The Gophers’ slip‑ups – especially the 27‑yard rushing effort in a loss to Purdue, plagued by injuries to both centers and weak run blocking – are contrasted with their knack for grinding out slim‑margin Big Ten victories thanks to stellar special teams, from Tom Weston’s punts to Luke Drzewiecki’s reliable field goals.
WATCH: Indiana’s Darian DeVries previews Eastern Illinois, recaps exhibitions
Indiana men’s basketball head coach Darian DeVries speaks to the media ahead of the Hoosiers’ season opener versus Eastern Illinois on Monday night at Assembly Hall. He recaps the team’s three exhibition games against Butler, North Carolina and Western Kentucky, noting strong rebounding, turnover concerns and the final performance against WKU. The full media session is available to watch.
Explaining the viral Indiana football “Drench Gang” movement on the internet
Indiana football’s defensive backs have sparked the viral “Drench Gang” craze, branding themselves with a purple emoji after a standout performance by senior safety Amare Ferrell, who intercepted a pass against Ohio State on Oct. 17. Ferrell explains the nickname comes from defensive backs’ habit of saying “everything is drenched” instead of “cover,” and credits teammate Byron Baldwin for spreading it. The quirky movement adds to Indiana’s history of fan-driven memes, from AI‑created Shalooby’s to Brad Stevens rumors, and is gaining traction across social media.
Hoosiers Daily News: Amare Ferrell and the Drench Gang take over Indiana
The Indiana Hoosiers' defense has sparked a new online craze dubbed the “Drench Gang,” with fans swapping to purple emojis after safety Amare Ferrell coined the term to describe the DBs’ “drenching” coverage from the 2025 season. The buzz builds as Indiana prepares to host Minnesota for homecoming, following a 13‑6 win over Michigan. The article links to recent analyses of Indiana’s quarterback play, center Bray Lynch’s praise of Josh Hoover, and ESPN’s FPI outlook for Week 9, while noting broader media coverage of the Hoosiers’ rising profile.
Indiana football’s quarterback play hasn’t been good enough. Whose has?
Indiana’s passing game has slipped below a 60% completion rate in its last three games, with quarterback Josh Hoover hampered by an arm injury and a sputtering rush. While Hoover isn’t solely to blame, the Hoosiers rank poorly among nation‑wide quarterbacks, trailing only a few standouts like Miami’s Darian Mensah. The article compares Hoover to transfer hopefuls such as LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, and Oregon’s Dylan Raiola, highlighting that most have struggled similarly. Coach Curt Cignetti emphasizes recruiting and developing talent over chasing portal transfers, noting Indiana’s past success with Kurtis Rourke and Fernando Mendoza.
Indiana center Bray Lynch on Josh Hoover’s play, toughness: ‘He’s a dog like that’
Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover’s grit has quickly earned him the respect of teammates like center Bray Lynch. Despite playing with a broken arm against Ohio State and Michigan, Hoover stayed in the season opener versus North Texas after a facial injury and even helped block on key runs against Northwestern. In the overtime win over Michigan he delivered a clutch pass to tight end Brock Schott and then dove for the winning touchdown. Lynch says Hoover is “a dog like that,” showing the same relentless drive in spring practice, the weight room, and on Saturdays, cementing full confidence from the Hoosiers in his first season.
Crimson Crank: Nitpicking Indiana Football’s 13-6 win at Michigan
Indiana hoists a 13-6 overtime win at Michigan, but the triumph masks deeper offensive woes. Quarterback Josh Hoover’s injury‑linked struggles force reliance on a faltering passing game, while a stagnant rush and a league‑worst third‑down conversion rate hinder rhythm. Penalties emerge as a new hazard: the Hoosiers have already incurred 30 infractions for 265 yards this season, including costly false starts and offsides that jeopardized key moments. Defensive penalties also gifted Michigan a missed field‑goal opportunity. Coach Curt Cignetti’s staff must curb these miscues if Indiana hopes to sustain success.
Hoosiers Daily News: Markus Burton named to Bob Cousy Award watchlist
Indiana freshman point guard Markus Burton makes the Bob Cousy Award watchlist, joining the Naismith Hall of Fame’s 20 contenders for the nation’s top guard. Burton transferred from Notre Dame, where he posted 18.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in an injury‑shortened 2025‑26 season, and will lead the Hoosiers under coach Darian DeVries. The honor comes as Indiana opens the 2026‑27 campaign, highlighted by a 96‑68 preseason win over Butler on Oct. 11. The watchlist spot signals Burton as a key player to watch for Indiana’s push to break its three‑year NCAA tournament drought.
Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck on Charlie Becker, Nick Marsh: ‘They can make every catch’
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck praises Indiana’s top receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh ahead of their matchup with the Gophers. Fleck, a former NI receiver, highlights their size, speed, route running and contested‑catch ability, saying they can make every catch. Becker leads the Hoosiers with 42 receptions, 726 yards and eight touchdowns, while Marsh adds 34 catches for 610 yards and seven scores, together accounting for 76 of Indiana’s 121 catches this season. Fleck notes their impact in both the passing and run game, reinforcing Indiana’s status as defending national champions and a top‑five team.
Everything Indiana’s Curt Cignetti said ahead of Minnesota
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti praised his team’s gritty overtime win at Michigan, highlighting a stout defense, strong special teams and a quick offensive surge. He confirmed quarterback Josh Hoover is expected to be healthy for the upcoming homecoming game against 5-2 Minnesota, a squad that has toppled three ranked opponents. Cignetti also lauded defensive standouts Tobi Osunsanmi’s breakout sack production, Rolijah Hardy’s versatile play, and safety Amari’s ball skills, while noting the need to improve the passing game in practice. The preview sets the stage for a tough matchup in Bloomington on Saturday.
Where ESPN’s FPI has Indiana entering Week 9 against Minnesota
ESPN’s College Football Power Index ranks Indiana at No. 6 heading into Week 9, just after a win over Michigan. The Hoosiers hold a projected 10.9‑1.7 record, a 35.2% chance to win out, and a 32% chance to claim the Big Ten title. Their biggest upcoming test is Minnesota, where the model gives Indiana a 96% probability of victory. Indiana also sits 89.2% for a Playoff spot, 21% for the national title game, and 9.9% to win it.
Indiana men’s basketball 2026-27 player preview: Trent Sisley
Indiana’s only returning player from the 2025-26 roster, sophomore forward Trent Sisley, eyes a bigger role on the Hoosiers bench. After a freshman season marked by solid defensive rebounding but inconsistent play, Sisley spent the offseason building strength and athleticism. He now competes with Samet Yigitoglu and starter Aiden Sherrell for minutes; Sherrell’s reduced 23.9 minutes per game last year could open early opportunities, while Yigitoglu offers a smaller‑ball lineup. Sisley’s free‑throw shooting sits at 53.8%, limiting his stretch‑four threat, but his leadership and Indiana roots may prove valuable amid a transfer‑heavy roster.
3 notes from Curt Cignetti’s press conference ahead of Minnesota
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti previewed the upcoming home game against Minnesota after the Hoosiers’ overtime win at Michigan. He said quarterback Josh Hoover should be fully recovered from his arm injury, highlighted transfer defender Tobi Osunsanmi’s 19 solo tackles, nine sacks and leadership, and praised freshman linebacker Jacob Savage for earning early confidence alongside veterans Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy. With four of the last five games decided in the fourth quarter and ESPN’s College Gameday on site, Cignetti emphasized the need for late‑game execution as the team prepares for the Golden Gophers.
Hoosiers Daily News: Indiana rises in latest AP top-25 poll
Indiana football climbs to No. 4 in the latest AP Top‑25, jumping from No. 6 and overtaking Notre Dame after a 13‑6 win over Michigan. The Hoosiers’ only loss was a narrow defeat to No. 2 Ohio State, while they hold a ranked victory over No. 20 Northwestern. Upcoming games vs. Minnesota and USC could solidify their top‑5 spot. The article also notes related coverage on Indiana’s basketball NIL spending and fan sentiment about the program’s national contender status.
Should Indiana make a move at quarterback if Josh Hoover isn’t fully healthy?
Indiana upset Michigan 13-6 despite a sputtering passing game, as starter QB Josh Hoover played through a lingering arm injury from the Ohio State loss. He managed just eight completions for 81 yards and threw his first interception of the season, with only one pass attempt in the second half. Coach Curt Cignetti says Hoover should be fine for the upcoming Minnesota game but considered inserting backup Grant Wilson during the Michigan matchup. The article asks fans whether Indiana should start Wilson if Hoover isn’t fully recovered.
Curt Cignetti on QB Josh Hoover: ‘I expect him to be fine and better this week’
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti says quarterback Josh Hoover should be "fine and better" after playing through an arm injury against Michigan. Hoover went 8‑of‑18 for 81 yards with no touchdowns and threw an interception in the second half of the 22‑19 loss, then connected with tight end Brock Schott for a 21‑yard gain in overtime. The injury, sustained during the Ohio State game, left Hoover wincing after hits. Cignetti hopes both Hoover and the Hoosiers’ passing game improve before their upcoming matchup with Minnesota.
Omar Cooper Jr. stars again for New York Jets in historic NFL debut
Rookie wideout Omar Cooper Jr. makes NFL history in just his second game, hauling in five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown despite the New York Jets’ 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 25, 2026. PFF notes he’s the first receiver in 40 years to record 100+ yards and a TD in each of his first two career games. After missing his debut with an ankle injury, Cooper Jr. joins an elite group that includes Stefon Diggs and Amari Cooper. If he maintains this pace, he could become a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
‘Never Daunted’ is more than just a phrase for Indiana football
Indiana’s football identity pivots on the “Never daunted” line of its fight song, a mantra that head coach Curt Cignetti has turned into a clutch‑play culture. After dramatic late‑game heroics in 2025—stopping Iowa, Penn State, and mounting big drives in the Big Ten and National Championship—Indiana secured its first ever national title last season. This year, the Hoosiers have kept the momentum, with Lee Beebe Jr.’s drive versus Northwestern, Josh Hoover’s key passes to Nick Marsh against Nebraska, and a game‑winning overtime TD by Hoover after a pivotal play against Michigan. The article argues that Indiana’s resilient style will continue to thrive despite tough matchups.
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