**Indiana Lands In-State Defensive Lineman Blake Smythe for 2026 Recruiting Class**
Indiana University has secured a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Blake Smythe, a standout from Franklin Community High School in Franklin, Indiana. Smythe, ranked No. 73 nationally among defensive linemen and No. 10 overall in Indiana by the On3 Industry Ranking, chose the Hoosiers over offers from Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State, Louisville, and Illinois. ([The Daily Hoosier][1], [On3][2])
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 280 pounds, Smythe is projected to transition from defensive end to interior defensive tackle under the guidance of Indiana’s defensive line coach Pat Kuntz. His junior season statistics include 96 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and three pass breakups, earning him first-team all-conference honors and a spot on the 5A IFCA Junior All-State team. ([The Daily Hoosier][1])
Smythe’s commitment continues a family legacy at Indiana University. His grandfather, Mark Smythe, played for the Hoosiers from 1979 to 1983, serving as a team captain and participating in the 1979 Holiday Bowl under coach Lee Corso. Mark Smythe was later drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and is a member of the Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame. ([Hoosier Huddle][3])
Expressing his enthusiasm, Smythe stated, “I feel like they have a great thing going and (it’s great) to keep the Smythe legacy in Bloomington.” ([On3][2])
With Smythe’s addition, Indiana’s 2026 recruiting class now comprises seven commitments, six of whom are on the defensive side of the ball. He joins fellow defensive lineman Rodney White, linebackers Jacob Savage and Henry Ohlinger, cornerback Kasmir Hicks, safety Lawrence Timmons, and offensive lineman Samuel Simpson. ([Hoosier Huddle][3])
Smythe’s decision marks a significant win for head coach Curt Cignetti and his staff, particularly in retaining top in-state talent. His commitment not only strengthens Indiana’s defensive line depth but also reinforces the program’s emphasis on building a competitive and legacy-driven team culture.([On3][2])
[1]: https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-football-recruiting-hoosiers-get-commitment-from-2026-in-state-dl-blake-smythe/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “IU football recruiting: Hoosiers get commitment from 2026 in-state …”
[2]: https://www.on3.com/news/indiana-football-recruiting-blake-smythe-dl-commits-curt-cignetti/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Legacy DL recruit Blake Smythe commits to Indiana – On3.com”
[3]: https://indiana.rivals.com/news/blake-smythe-joins-iu-s-2026-recruiting-class?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Blake Smythe Joins IU’s 2026 Recruiting Class – Hoosier Huddle”
