In-state 3-star defensive lineman's commitment important for Indiana football recruiting
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The Hoosiers have had a Big Ten foe intruding on their state in recruiting battles for the Class of 2026.
A three-star recruit from Franklin chose Friday night to begin his career playing for Curt Cignetti and Indiana football.
In a live-streamed video on Instagram, Blake Smythe chose the Hoosiers over Purdue, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State and Louisville.
"For the next three or four years, I'll be going to Indiana," Smythe said, keeping it short and sweet. He and his family took their hoodies off to reveal matching IU shirts. It was followed by a quick "Who, who, who, Hoo-siers," chant. And a joke that if there are fans of the other schools, they're welcome to take the hats.
Smythe was rated a three-star prospect, the No. 838th prospect nationally and 10th in Indiana by On3. Forget the numbers, though, as it's an important win for Cignetti and Co, landing a 6-foot-3, 276-pound defensive lineman. It's on the heels of IU landing the state's top prospect for the class, Decatur Central's Kasmir Hicks.
'Best in Indiana go to Indiana.' Top-30 national recruit has options. Many. But IU is in mix
But also because a Big Ten rival has been snooping around the Hoosier State and landing recruits in the 2026 class. Wisconsin has three commitments from Indiana already: Penn wide receiver Tayshon Bardo, Fishers cornerback Carsen Eloms and Andrean offensive lineman Benjamin Novak. Wisconsin's class was rated No. 41, per 247Sports composite, and IU is at No. 40 after Smythe's commitment.
The Hoosiers have seven committed for their 2026 class: Hicks, a projected corner back, and Smythe, safety Lawrence Timmons of Pine-Richland (Pennsylvania), linebacker Henry Ohlinger of Grandview Heights (Ohio), linebacker Jacob Savage of Ryle (Kentucky), offensive lineman Samuel Simpson of River Falls (Wisconsin) and defensive lineman Rodney White of Concordia Prep (Maryland).
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