The 2026 Indiana Hoosiers defensive tackles are poised to build on their impressive 2025 performance, which saw them rank among the nation's best. With a mix of experienced returnees and promising newcomers, the unit is set to be a cornerstone of the team's success. Here's a breakdown of the key players and the potential changes in the lineup.
The Core: Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino
Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino are the pillars of this defensive tackle group. Both players return with high expectations, having been integral to the team's success in 2025. Tucker, a redshirt senior, led the position with 40 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and six sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten and AP third-team All-American recognition. His leadership and production make him a cornerstone of the defense.
Landino, a junior, has shown steady improvement since his arrival at Indiana. In 2025, he started 11 games, recording 32 tackles, six tackles for loss, and five sacks. His versatility, playing both inside and outside, and his athleticism make him a key component of the defensive strategy.
Depth and Rotation
The depth chart behind Tucker and Landino is where the 2026 squad will see some changes. Hosea Wheeler and Dominique Ratcliff, who were significant contributors in 2025, have moved on. Wheeler, who transferred to Baylor, and Ratcliff, who exhausted his eligibility, will no longer be part of the rotation. This creates an opportunity for new players to step up.
Joe Hjelle, a redshirt senior transfer from Tulsa, brings valuable experience to the team. He recorded 46 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack in 2025, making him a strong candidate for rotational snaps. Kyler Garcia, a redshirt freshman, and Jhrevious Hall, also a redshirt freshman, will provide fresh talent, although they have yet to see significant game time.
Fresh Talent: Cam McHaney, Gabe Hill, Rodney White, and Blake Smythe
The incoming freshmen class includes several talented defensive tackles. Cam McHaney, a four-star recruit from IMG Academy, has a strong background in high school success. Gabe Hill, a four-star, top-200 recruit, and Rodney White, a consensus three-star recruit, bring athleticism and potential to the position. Blake Smythe, another consensus three-star recruit, adds depth and competition to the group.
Predicted Depth Chart
The predicted depth chart for 2026 features Tucker and Landino as the starters, with Hjelle, Hall, and Garcia as the next in line. The remaining freshmen, McHaney, Hill, White, and Smythe, will provide depth and special teams contributions, with their roles likely to be determined during the season.
In summary, the 2026 Indiana defensive tackles have a strong foundation in Tucker and Landino, and the depth chart is filled with potential. The unit's success will depend on the development of the younger players and the ability to create a cohesive and dominant defensive line.
