Curt Cignetti is wasting no time shaping Indiana football’s future. Over the weekend, the Hoosiers secured their first commitment of the 2026 recruiting class with a hard pledge from Samuel Simpson, a 3-star interior offensive lineman from Wisconsin. Simpson’s decision to commit this early signals the growing momentum of Indiana’s recruiting under Cignetti’s leadership.
A Coveted Prospect with Big Ten Interest
Simpson, ranked the 48th-best interior offensive lineman nationally and the second-best prospect from Wisconsin, wasn’t short on suitors. Heavyweights like Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin had him on their radar, but it was Indiana’s vision and culture that ultimately won him over.
What’s even more remarkable? Simpson wasted no time in making his decision—committing just one day after receiving an offer while on an unofficial visit to Bloomington. That kind of decisiveness speaks volumes about the impression Cignetti and his staff left on him.
A Trend of Offensive Line Dominance
Simpson’s commitment comes at a time when Indiana is doubling down on trenches talent. Just days earlier, the Hoosiers bolstered their 2024 roster with a massive addition—Notre Dame offensive line transfer Pat Coogan. The message is clear: Indiana is prioritizing elite offensive line play, and recruits are taking notice.
It’s a strategy that has worked wonders for Cignetti. After taking over in 2023, he immediately revamped Indiana’s roster through the transfer portal, securing standout players like D’Angelo Ponds, Aiden Fisher, and Mikail Kamara—all of whom earned All-American honors after following him from James Madison.
Cignetti doubled down on the portal in 2024, reeling in quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Coogan, two proven high-major players. 247 Sports currently ranks Indiana’s 2024 portal class 14th nationally, showing how Cignetti has turned the program into a destination for top talent.
With veteran stars like Kurtis Rourke and Mike Katic moving on, these new additions will be crucial in keeping the Hoosiers competitive as they aim to replicate their surprise College Football Playoff run from last season.
A Balanced Approach to Building a Powerhouse
While immediate-impact transfers are vital, Simpson’s commitment proves that Indiana isn’t just living in the moment—they’re planning for sustained success.
Simpson joins a growing list of offensive linemen Indiana has locked in, including three interior linemen from the 2025 class and multiple key transfer additions. Bob Bostad, Indiana’s offensive line guru, has played a major role in this effort.
The only coach retained from the Tom Allen era, Bostad has completely revitalized Indiana’s offensive line, making the unit one of the most respected in the Big Ten. Under his guidance:
- Indiana cut its sack total from 22 to just 16 in 2023.
- The Hoosiers earned their best Pro Football Focus offensive line grade since 2017.
- The unit took another leap forward in 2024, contributing to one of the most explosive offenses in the conference.
It’s no surprise, then, that top recruits like Simpson are eager to be part of Indiana’s offensive resurgence.
What’s Next for the Hoosiers?
With Simpson’s early commitment, Indiana’s 2026 recruiting class is off to a strong start—but this is just the beginning. Cignetti has built a program that’s not only competitive but also an attractive destination for elite talent.
The question now is: Who’s next? If recent history is any indication, this won’t be the last major recruiting win for Indiana as they continue building a powerhouse in the Big Ten.
