The 2025-26 season for Indiana University (IU) basketball is already shaping up to be an exciting one. With 11 players confirmed for the roster, the team’s next steps will undoubtedly be crucial to building a squad that can challenge for a Big Ten championship and make a serious run in the NCAA Tournament. For Indiana fans, the question remains: What’s next for IU basketball, and how will the coaching staff maximize the talent they have while addressing potential gaps on the roster?
The 2025-26 season marks a new chapter for Indiana basketball, as head coach Mike Woodson has had a few years to establish his culture and recruit players that fit his system. With the confirmed roster, it’s clear that IU basketball is on the verge of becoming a real contender. The program’s storied history and passionate fanbase expect nothing less, but the road to success is rarely straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of IU basketball, the strengths and weaknesses of the confirmed players, and what steps the coaching staff must take in the lead-up to the season to put themselves in the best possible position for success.
When we look at the current roster, it’s clear that Indiana has a solid mix of returning players, key transfers, and incoming recruits. The players who have already been confirmed bring a blend of experience, talent, and potential. However, there are still several moving pieces as the offseason continues, and several key decisions need to be made regarding the final composition of the team.
One of the most important aspects of any basketball team is depth, and Indiana is fortunate to have a roster that appears to have good depth at multiple positions. One of the confirmed players who stands out is senior guard Xavier Johnson. Having been a key contributor for IU over the past few seasons, Johnson provides a wealth of experience, leadership, and scoring ability that will be crucial for the team. He is a skilled playmaker with an ability to attack the basket and create offense for his teammates, but his outside shooting consistency will need to improve to make him a more complete player for the 2025-26 season.
In addition to Johnson, the Hoosiers have a few other guards who will be integral to their success. Jalen Hood-Schifino, another returning player, had an impressive season last year and is expected to take on a larger role in the backcourt. He is a dynamic playmaker who excels at getting to the rim and distributing the ball. Hood-Schifino’s development will be a major factor in the team’s success, as his scoring ability and basketball IQ could be the key to unlocking IU’s offense.
On the wing, the Hoosiers are deep with talent. Freshman Malik Reneau, who was a highly touted recruit, is expected to make an immediate impact. Standing at 6’8″ with a versatile skill set, Reneau is a player who can score both inside and outside and is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also playing inside gives Indiana the flexibility to run various offensive schemes. Another important returning player in this group is Tamar Bates, who has proven to be a reliable scorer off the bench. His consistency as a shooter and ability to create his own shot will be crucial for providing IU with a spark when they need it most.
While the guard and wing positions appear to be solid, Indiana still has some work to do in the frontcourt. The Hoosiers have some solid big men, but questions remain about their ability to compete in the rugged Big Ten. Race Thompson, a veteran forward who has been with the program for several years, is an important part of IU’s frontcourt. Thompson provides a combination of toughness, rebounding, and leadership. However, his offensive game can be limited at times, and he will need to develop a more consistent scoring presence to balance the team’s offensive attack.
Another important figure in the frontcourt is Trayce Jackson-Davis, who was one of the standout players for the Hoosiers last season. Jackson-Davis is a dominant force in the paint and can control both ends of the floor with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. He also has a reliable post game, and his leadership will be critical for IU moving forward. However, one of the biggest questions surrounding Jackson-Davis is his development as a shooter. If he can develop a more consistent mid-range or even three-point shot, it will make him even more dangerous and add another dimension to Indiana’s offense.
In terms of the overall roster, IU’s coaching staff has to consider what additional moves they might need to make in the coming months to complete the team. While the confirmed players represent a strong core, there may still be a need for more size, shooting, or overall versatility. Given the competitiveness of the Big Ten, IU will likely need to bolster its frontcourt to match up with teams that have multiple skilled big men. A dominant, versatile center who can score inside and protect the rim would elevate the team’s chances of success.
Indiana is known for its fanbase’s intense passion and high expectations, and 2025-26 will be no different. Fans have been waiting for the program to return to national prominence, and they believe that this season may be the year that IU makes a deep tournament run. The Hoosiers will have to be disciplined, both offensively and defensively, in order to meet those expectations. Coach Woodson’s ability to get the most out of his players, particularly in terms of player development and team chemistry, will be a key factor in whether the team can reach its potential.
The upcoming season also offers a unique opportunity for the Hoosiers to grow as a team. With a blend of experience and youth, Indiana has the chance to develop a strong team chemistry and find the right balance between individual talents and team-oriented play. Much of the team’s success will depend on how well they gel together, how well they execute on both ends of the floor, and how they handle the pressure of a Big Ten schedule that is one of the toughest in the country.
As the season draws closer, the team’s coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate potential recruits or transfers who can provide the final pieces to the puzzle. Even with 11 confirmed players, there is always room for improvement, and finding additional talent to fill any potential gaps will be crucial. Whether it’s an additional shooter, a more athletic forward, or someone who can provide leadership and toughness off the bench, the coaching staff will have to remain agile and proactive in their pursuit of excellence.
IU basketball fans are hoping that the upcoming season will be a turning point. The team is positioned to compete at a high level, with a solid core of players who can contribute in multiple ways. If Coach Woodson can continue to develop his roster and if the Hoosiers can stay healthy throughout the season, there’s no reason why Indiana can’t be in the mix for both the Big Ten title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The program is on the rise, and with the 2025-26 roster taking shape, the future of IU basketball looks incredibly promising. The next steps are crucial, but the foundation has been set for a season of success.
