2025 IU Football Secondary Outlook: Key Players and Battle for Positions

As the 2025 football season approaches later this month, Inside the Hall offers a comprehensive preview of the team’s roster, focusing today on the secondary. Currently in the second week of fall camp in Bloomington, intense competition persists, particularly around a revamped defensive backfield anchored by All-American D’Angelo Ponds. The coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, has utilized the transfer portal to strengthen this unit, although final roster decisions are still underway. At cornerback, D’Angelo Ponds has secured his position as the primary starter. The transfer from James Madison, who arrived in spring 2024, has exceeded expectations with a standout sophomore season, earning recognition as the top corner in the Big Ten by Pro Football Focus. He made notable plays, including three interceptions and a memorable pick-six against Washington. Competing for the starting spot are returner Jamari Sharpe and transfer Ryland Gandy. Sharpe, familiar with Haines’ system, has a slight edge due to his experience, having played in nine games and starting three last season. Gandy, from Pitt, participated in all games last year but struggled with tackling cons...