As Big Ten Football Media Days begin in Chicago, the conference announced the 2026 football preseason honors list on Tuesday. Indiana football junior wide receiver Charlie Becker, junior linebacker Rolijah Hardy and redshirt-senior defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker were named to the 12-player list.
The defending national champions had a league-leading three players who earned the honor. Ohio State, Oregon and Rutgers all had two players named. Iowa, Minnesota and Southern California had one player on the list.
The preseason list was voted on by a media panel, according to a Big Ten press release.
Becker broke out in the latter half of the 2025-26 season — his sophomore season. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound wideout finished the season with three 100-yard receiving performances. His first came in a 27-24 win at Penn State on Nov. 8, where he caught seven receptions for 118 yards.
Becker also scored touchdowns in a 38-3 win against the University of Alabama in the Rose Bowl and a 56-22 victory over the University of Oregon in the Peach Bowl.
Hardy also provided a sophomore-breakout campaign for the Hoosiers last season. He led the team with 103 total tackles — 48 solo — which earned him second-team All-Big Ten from the conference media and coaches' panels.
Tucker is poised for another strong season on the defensive line. The 6-foot, 307-pound Tucker had six sacks — third-most for Indiana — and 12 tackles for loss last season. The James Madison University transfer also compiled 17 solo tackles and 38 total.
Media Days go from Tuesday to Thursday, with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti scheduled to speak at 1:45 p.m. on the final day. Tucker, redshirt-senior linebacker Isiah Jones and redshirt-senior offensive lineman Carter Smith will join Cignetti at the event at the Hilton Chicago.
The new-look Indiana roster begins the regular season against the University of North Texas on Sept. 5 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.
Full list
WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
LB Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
DL Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
OL Kade Pieper, Iowa
DL Anthony Smith, Minnesota*
QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State*
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State*
QB Dante Moore, Oregon
DB Koi Perich, Oregon
QB Jayden Maiava, USC*
WR KJ Duff, Rutgers*
RB Antwan Raymond, Rutgers*
*Denotes a team Indiana will play during the 2026 regular season
