Indiana Hoosiers 2025 Cornerback Preview: A Position of Strength Despite Key Losses
The 2024 season was a historic one for Indiana football, as head coach Curt Cignetti led the team to an unprecedented 11-1 regular season record. Their only defeat came at the hands of eventual national champion Ohio State. The Hoosiers made their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, where they battled Notre Dame but ultimately fell in South Bend, finishing the season with a program-best 11-2 record. Cignetti’s remarkable debut season earned him National Coach of the Year honors, and as IU gears up for 2025, excitement surrounding the program has never been higher.
With spring football underway, Hoosier Huddle is evaluating each position group, starting with the cornerbacks. While Indiana lost a key starter in Jamier Johnson, there’s plenty of reason for optimism, thanks to the return of second-team All-American D’Angelo Ponds.
Key Departures
- Jamier Johnson – Started 10 of 12 games, recording 35 tackles and one interception.
- Cedarius Doss – Played in all 12 games, notching 10 tackles and one pass breakup.
- Jojo Johnson – Saw action in two games, registering one tackle.
- Josh Philostin – Did not see playing time in 2024.
New Additions
- Ryland Gandy – Transfer from Pitt.
- Amariyun Knighten – Transfer from Northern Illinois.
- Seaonta Stewart – Incoming freshman.
- Jaylen Bell – Incoming freshman.
- Zacharey Smith – Incoming freshman.
Projected Depth Chart
Starting Cornerbacks
D’Angelo Ponds – Junior
There are no surprises at the top of the depth chart. Ponds had a breakout 2024 season, finishing with 55 tackles (4.5 for loss), three interceptions, and nine pass breakups. His performance earned him All-American second-team honors, with a standout two-interception game against Washington highlighting his playmaking ability. As the leader of Indiana’s secondary, Ponds’ return is a massive win for the Hoosiers heading into 2025.
Ryland Gandy – Redshirt Sophomore
With Jamier Johnson’s departure in January, a battle for the second starting spot has emerged. While it remains a fluid competition, Pitt transfer Ryland Gandy is currently projected to start alongside Ponds. Gandy brings solid experience, having played in 29 games (13 starts) at Pitt, where he recorded 47 tackles and one pass breakup. Known for holding his own in single coverage, Gandy’s skill set could make him a strong complement to Ponds in the secondary.
Key Rotational Players
Amariyun Knighten – Redshirt Junior / Jamari Sharpe – Redshirt Junior
Both Amariyun Knighten and Jamari Sharpe are expected to see significant playing time in 2025.
- Knighten, a Northern Illinois transfer, has appeared in 25 games (14 starts) and logged 45 tackles and one interception. His most notable moment came in NIU’s upset victory over Notre Dame, where his fourth-quarter interception helped set up the game-winning field goal.
- Sharpe, who has been a steady contributor for IU, registered 13 tackles, half a sack, and a fumble recovery in 2024. His familiarity with the defensive system gives him an edge, and he could push for a starting role if he performs well in spring and summer workouts.
Depth Players
A mix of young talent rounds out the cornerback room:
- Jaylen Bell – Freshman
- Zacharey Smith – Freshman
- Seaonta Stewart – Freshman
- Jah Jah Boyd – Redshirt Freshman
- Dontrae Henderson – Redshirt Freshman
Bell, Smith, and Stewart will likely redshirt in 2025, while Boyd and Henderson have an opportunity to earn snaps if they show consistent improvement.
Position Outlook & Key Storylines
The biggest storyline heading into the season is who will start alongside D’Angelo Ponds. While Ryland Gandy appears to have the edge, Knighten and Sharpe remain serious contenders. Sharpe, in particular, has the advantage of already knowing the defensive system, which could allow him to secure the starting job with a strong offseason.
Despite losing Johnson and Doss, Indiana’s cornerback unit remains in great shape. The return of an All-American in Ponds, combined with experienced transfers like Gandy and Knighten, ensures that IU’s secondary won’t take a step back in 2025. If anything, the position group has the potential to be even stronger.
