Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Indiana Loses Defensive Lineman to Big 12 Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 9:49 AM ET

The Indiana Hoosiers are still navigating roster turnover in the aftermath of their national championship season, with another defensive contributor exiting the program through the transfer portal.

As things stand, Indiana has seen 15 players enter the portal as head coach Curt Cignetti prepares for a title defense without several key contributors, including two defensive ends and two interior defensive linemen.

On Sunday morning, Indiana DL Hosea Wheeler announced his signing with a new school, moving to the Big 12 shortly after his transfer portal entry was first reported on Thursday.

According to On3's Pete Nakos, Wheeler has signed with the Baylor Bears. Wheeler becomes the latest member of Indiana’s title-winning roster to depart as the program reshapes its depth chart for the 2026 season.

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti walks the sideline.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wheeler appeared in all 16 games for Indiana during its 16–0 national championship run, making five starts along the Hoosiers' line.

A 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman, played primarily at nose tackle and defensive tackle for Indiana, earning a 70.6 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus and a run defense grade of 74.

Wheeler finished the season with 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, 11 quarterback pressures and two fumble recoveries while logging 420 defensive snaps.

Indiana DL Hosea Wheeler has signed with Baylor, @On3 has learned.

Wheeler is awaiting a Feb. 10th court date, as part of the Pavia lawsuit challenging the NCAA rules that JUCO seasons count towards a player’s five-year eligibility window. Has 150 career tackles, 12 TFLs and 4… pic.twitter.com/Hg4DB8ySoT
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 25, 2026

Wheeler spent just one season in Bloomington after transferring from the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where he was a two-time All-Conference USA selection. He earned second-team honors in 2023 and first-team recognition in 2024, starting every game during his final season with the Hilltoppers.

Before his FBS career, Wheeler began at Sacramento City College, where he played his true freshman season.

Wheeler, however, is awaiting a ruling related to NCAA eligibility rules that could determine whether he has one remaining season to play at Baylor. A court date tied to that eligibility challenge is scheduled for Feb. 10, per Nakos.

If he's allowed to play in 2026, Baylor would have added Wheeler as its 27th transfer this cycle while attempting to rebound from a 5–7 campaign.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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