What happened: Charlie Becker broke out in 2025 during Indiana's historic College Football Playoff run after finding his way to Bloomington. His mother Tracy said the family was there together as his ultimate dream came to life.

Why it matters: The 2025 run set a new standard for Indiana entering the 2026 season. Returning contributors from that team frame expectations for whether the Hoosiers can stay in the playoff chase.

What to watch: Indiana continues its 2026 Big Ten schedule with playoff positioning again at stake.