Indiana football was one of five schools nationally to have three players named Walter Camp Preseason All-Americans. Alabama, Texas, Clemson, and Penn State were the only other schools with as many players honored.
The Hoosiers had a pair of seniors, Elijah Sarrat and Mikail Kamara, make the second team offense and defense, respectively. D’Angelo Ponds, a junior, was named to the first team.
The news may not come as a surprise to Indiana fans who watched the trio dominate throughout last season, but marks a big step forward for Indiana’s national recognition.
Prior to last season’s College Football Playoff run, none of the three had played a snap of high-major football. Both Ponds and Kamara finished last season with All-American honors, helping pave the way for heightened expectations ahead of 2026.
In addition to these three returners, head coach Curt Cignetti added a number of high-profile transfers that should help carry Indiana to another successful season.
Throwing to Sarrat, for example, will be Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback many are eyeing as an NFL talent. Blocking for him will be Notre Dame transfer Pat Coogan, with Maryland transfer Roman Hemby in the backfield.
As with last year, Indiana will be entering the 2026 season with talent at multiple positions. This time, it’s not going to catch the national media by surprise.