Looking Back

 

Before looking forward to a new season is might be interesting to look back at recall some of IU's gridiron greats. 

■ Jade Butcher, defensive back, Bloomington, Indiana
■ Harry Gonso, running back, Findlay, Ohio
■ John Isenbarger, quarterback, Muncie Central, Indiana

Historically, freshmen had been ineligible to play on Big Ten or NCAA varsity teams. For the first time, in 1966 Big Ten schools were permitted to have freshman football and basketball teams and play brief schedules: two games in football. The first for Indiana was at Ohio State. And — shock of shocks, first of the wave that was to come — IU won!

At career’s end, all three dominated the all-time IU record book. And what an acronym, Butcher-Isenbarger-Gonso. BIG.

Big as in Rose Bowl, where the team they led played — for the only time in school history — after finishing as Big Ten tri-champions at 9-1, the capper a 19-14 upset of maybe the best Purdue team ever.

Almost every Hoosier team since has exceeded the 19 on offense. No IU defense since has held teams anywhere close to a 14-point average.

And no player in IU history has made a personal sacrifice comparable to captain Doug Crusan, high on pro draft lists after two years as an outstanding offensive tackle, shedding more than 30 pounds and excelling at defensive tackle, and/or fellow senior Terry Cole, a two-year star at running back who selflessly moved to fullback and primarily a blocking role while the backfield spotlight shifted to Gonso and Isenbarger — until Pont twice caught Purdue over-conscious of the Gonso-Isenbarger option threat and broke fullback Cole wide open up the middle for long, touchdown-producing plays.

Most Influential IU Football Players by Position 

 🏈Offense 🏈

Quarterback – Antwaan Randle El
Years: 1998–2001
Why: Electrifying dual-threat QB and the first player in NCAA history to pass for 40 TDs and rush for 40 TDs.
Legacy: Went on to win a Super Bowl with the Steelers and brought national attention to IU Football. A true program icon.

Running Back – Anthony Thompson
Years: 1986–1989
Why: Two-time Big Ten MVP, 1989 Maxwell Award winner, Doak Walker Award winner, and Heisman runner-up.
Legacy: Still holds multiple IU rushing records. Statue-worthy legend in Bloomington

Wide Receiver – James Hardy
Years: 2005–2007
Why: IU’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions (36).
Legacy: Dominated the Big Ten, gave IU a dynamic deep threat it hadn’t had in years.

Tight End – Ted Bolser
Years: 2010–2013
Why: IU’s career leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns among tight ends.
Legacy: Reliable, physical, and a leader during the Kevin Wilson rebuild.

Offensive Lineman – Dan Feeney
Years: 2012–2016
Why: Four-year starter, All-American, and key part of one of IU’s most explosive offenses.
Legacy: NFL success with the Chargers and Bears; a rock up front.

🏈 Defense 🏈

Defensive Line – Adewale Ogunleye
Years: 1996–1999
Why: IU’s all-time leader in sacks and tackles for loss.
Legacy: Had a long, successful NFL career and was a feared force off the edge.

Linebacker – Tegray Scales
Years: 2014–2017
Why: Led IU in tackles, sacks, and was the heart of a tough defense under Tom Allen.
Legacy: Helped put IU back on the map defensively.

Cornerback – Tracy Porter
Years: 2004–2007
Why: Ball hawk in college, Super Bowl hero in the NFL (pick-six off Peyton Manning).
Legacy: Major impact on and off the field—one of IU’s few household names on defense.

Safety – Eric Allen
Years: 1981–1984
Why: Versatile and instinctive defensive back.
Legacy: Key part of IU’s secondary during the 80s and a longtime pro.

 🏈Special Teams 🏈

Kicker – Pete Stoyanovich
Years: 1985–1988
Why: Big leg, clutch kicker, went on to a standout NFL career.
Legacy: Helped stabilize IU’s special teams when it mattered.

Punter – Chris Sigler
Years: Early 90s
Why: Consistently pinned opponents deep; all-conference honors.
Legacy: Kept IU competitive in field-position battles.

 Overall, Most Influential Hoosier Football Player: 

Anthony Thompson (RB)

No one left a bigger mark on IU football history. He put Indiana in the national spotlight, won nearly every award a college player could win, and continues to represent the program with pride.

Source:

Bob Hammel column: John Isenbarger helped turn around Indiana football

IU Football Facebook group