The Number 35 National Rank That Has Indiana Fans Absolutely Buzzing for 2027

Alright, listen up, Seattle fam! I know we're usually locked in on the Mariners' early season grind or Sam Darnold dropping dimes for the Hawks, but sometimes you gotta peek outside the Emerald City to see how other teams are getting it done. And right now, what's happening out in Bloomington with Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers is worth a quick look because this dude is building something, and it's got people talking. He's not only thinking about the next game, he's got eyes on the future, like 2026 and even 2027, and the momentum is REAL.

The Recruiting Trail Heat Is On

Cignetti, who by the way never shies away from a microphone, isn't just dropping bold quotes, he's dropping serious talent onto the roster. He's got this whole program building thing going on, balancing the immediate 2026 season with serious long-term planning. And when it comes to the 2027 recruiting class, man, they are absolutely on fire! Jacob Goins from "Locked On Hoosiers" gave us the scoop, talking up Dejan Tally Rhodess, a three-star running back out of Washington D.C. This kid is the number one player in his area and a top 30 running back nationally according to 247. Goins specifically said, "what stands out to me about Dejan Tally Rhodess. Again, he’s going to verbally commit somewhere tomorrow." Plus, they already snagged four-star edge rusher Myles Smith for that 2027 class, which is a huge defensive boost for their future. The staff is evaluating targets across the board, and you can feel the energy building for this class.

Big-Time Decisions Looming for a Major Boost

This isn't just about a few commits, either. Cignetti and the Hoosiers secured six commitments in May, pushing their 2027 class to a total of nine players already. That's why 247Sports has them ranked at No. 35 nationally. But the biggest domino still has to fall, and that's four-star offensive lineman Dominic Black. This Ohio standout visited Bloomington in May, got an offer in April, and has narrowed his choices down to five programs: Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Virginia Tech. He's making his big announcement on June 10. Black is no joke, he's among the top offensive linemen in Ohio and nearly top 20 at his position nationwide. If Indiana can seal the deal with him, it would be a massive boost, potentially their highest-rated 2027 recruit under Cignetti's rebuild. You know how crucial those big offensive linemen are; it changes everything up front for a program.

What's Next for Bloomington

So yeah, while our Sounders are out there with Cristian Roldan getting USMNT calls, and Julio Rodriguez is tearing it up at T-Mobile Park, Curt Cignetti is out there in Bloomington acknowledging rising roster costs, even warning action may be needed within 12 to 24 months for universities struggling to keep up. But he's also building a serious foundation for his program. He's keeping a laser focus on the 2026 season while crushing it on the recruiting trail. All eyes are on June 10 to see if Dominic Black brings that massive talent to Indiana. This guy is playing chess, not checkers, and it's going to be wild to see how this Hoosier program shakes out. You gotta love a coach with a plan!

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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.