Indiana Football Scores Major Recruiting Win Post-Fourth of July
Fresh off a surprising postseason run and College Football Playoff appearance, Indiana football pulled off another shocker — this time on the recruiting trail. The Hoosiers landed a rare four-star commitment, beating out two Southeastern Conference powers in the process.
EDGE rusher Ronelle Johnson announced Saturday that he’s committing to Indiana. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive standout gives head coach Curt Cignetti a dynamic, relentless pass-rushing threat for the future.
So who did Indiana beat to land Johnson? According to Hayes Fawcett of On3 and Rivals, Missouri and Ole Miss were in the final mix, along with Big 12 contender Kansas State, which also made Johnson’s shortlist.
This is a massive win for IU on the recruiting front — especially considering Johnson ranks among the top 100 prospects in the 2026 class. It also marks a significant shift, as Cignetti’s initial Hoosiers roster was largely built through the transfer portal, rather than high school recruiting.
How Indiana stacks up in recruiting remains to be seen long-term, but this commitment sends a clear message: the Hoosiers are beginning to compete — and win — for elite talent.
Johnson’s Commitment Helps Indiana Bounce Back from Key Recruiting Loss
Ronelle Johnson’s pledge couldn’t have come at a better time for Indiana. Just days earlier, the Hoosiers suffered a significant recruiting blow when four-star cornerback Jay Timmons flipped his commitment to Florida State. The move wasn’t entirely surprising — Timmons’ father, Lawrence Timmons, starred as a linebacker for the Seminoles in the early 2000s.
Still, Johnson’s commitment immediately helps soften the loss. The elite EDGE defender had several high-profile offers, including from Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue, and even Big Ten champion Oregon. But Indiana stood out as the only Big Ten program he seriously considered, thanks in large part to a June 6 visit to Bloomington, per Peegs.com via 247Sports. That trip made a lasting impression, and Indiana made sure Johnson knew he was a top priority for the 2026 class.
National recruiting analysts have praised Johnson throughout the cycle. According to 247Sports, he ranks as the No. 3 overall player in Missouri and is regarded as one of the top 100 prospects nationally. He now becomes Indiana’s 22nd verbal commitment for the 2026 class — a group that continues to rise in national recognition.
With Johnson on board, Indiana has climbed to No. 25 in the national team recruiting rankings, a major jump from recent years. The Hoosiers finished 39th in 2025 and 46th in 2024, but under Curt Cignetti, the program is building what could be its most talented class yet.
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