Indiana has secured a significant commitment for its 2026 recruiting class, as 3‑star defensive lineman Cameron McHaney from IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) officially pledged to the Hoosiers on July 1, 2025 . Measuring in at 6‑foot‑1 and 315 pounds, McHaney brings power, leverage, and a quick burst—qualities that IU coaching staff believes will be a great fit for Curt Cignetti’s defensive line scheme .
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🔹 Player Profile
Hometown & Background: Originally from Greenwood, Indiana, McHaney transferred to IMG Academy following a standout sophomore year at Indianapolis Lutheran Academy, where he amassed 81 tackles, seven tackles for loss (TFL), one sack, and one fumble recovery en route to a 13–0 season and an Indiana 1A title .
Junior Year at IMG: Against nationally ranked competition, McHaney recorded 39 tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, two QB hits, and two pass breakups .
Recruiting Rankings: Nationally ranked No. 408 overall and No. 39 among defensive linemen in the class of 2026 (On3 composite). ESPN has given him a 4‑star rating, while 247Sports and Rivals peg him as a high-end 3‑star .
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🔹 Recruitment Journey & Influencers
McHaney was wooed by several programs and took official visits to Vanderbilt, Purdue, and Louisville before making a final trip to Bloomington on June 20, where he quickly felt at home . He chose IU over finalists Vanderbilt, Purdue, Illinois, and Louisville, crediting a strong scheme fit and confidence in the coaching staff, especially head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive line coach Pat Kuntz, to develop him for the next level .
> “I feel I fit into their scheme perfectly … I believe Coach Cig and Coach Kuntz will put me in the right position to make plays and get me to the next level.”
His commitment landed with a homespun touch: “I just had a feeling that it was home … it’s even better to represent my state,” McHaney reflected .
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🔹 Impact on Indiana’s Defensive Class
McHaney becomes the 20th commit in IU’s 2026 class, and the fourth defensive lineman to join the group . The defensive line room also features fellow DL signees Gabe Hill (4‑star), Blake Smythe (3‑star), and Rodney White (3‑star), sharpening key position depth and athleticism .
On3 currently ranks the Hoosiers as No. 27 nationally and No. 10 in the Big Ten, underscoring the importance of quality interior reinforcements like McHaney . His low center of gravity and burst promise to bolster IU’s run defense and interior push.
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