Indiana football’s offensive line just got some great news.
Carter Smith, the Hoosiers’ starter at left tackle since the 2023 season, announced that he’ll be returning to the program for the 2026 season on social media. He’d previously said as much on the field following the Hoosiers’ win over Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, but made it official.
Smith previously entered the transfer portal following the dismissal of former head coach Tom Allen in 2023, but withdrew
to remain in Bloomington. Curt Cignetti retained offensive line coach Bob Bostad during the transition, with several linemen electing to stay with the program.
He was named a consensus All-American as a redshirt junior in 2025, is the first player in program history to win the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year. He received substantial NFL Draft buzz as one of the better tackles available in 2026 but will remain with Indiana.
