8 Best Indiana Hoosiers Football Players, Ranked

Indiana's Anthony Thompson runs around South Carolina's Robert Robinson Wednesday night, December 29, 1988 at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
(AP Photo)
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The Indiana Hoosiers have become one of the more prominent college programs under head coach Curt Cignetti.

Today, you can bet on Hoosiers’ football lines with BetMGM online sports betting.

Before exploring their NCAAF odds, check out my list of the top eight players in school history below. 

Who Are the Best Indiana Hoosiers Football Players?

RankPlayerPositionIndiana Hoosiers Years
1Anthony ThompsonRB1986-1989
2Fernando MendozaQB2025
3Antwaan Randle ElQB1998-2001
4George TaliaferroHB/QB1945-1948
5Pete PihosEnd1942-1943, 1945-1946
6Tevin ColemanRB2012-2014
7Nate SudfeldQB2012-2015
8Tracy PorterCB2004-2007

1. Anthony Thompson

Thompson played at Indiana from 1986 to 1989, during which time he amassed 5,299 rushing yards and 67 rushing touchdowns. 

These are both records for the program. 

He also holds the single-game rushing record with 377 yards in 1989 against Wisconsin.

He holds the top two single-season records in rushing touchdowns with 26 in 1988 and 24 in 1989. 

While at Indiana, he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and won the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Chic Harley Awards. 

Additionally, he was a unanimous All-American, a consensus All-American, a two-time Big Ten MVP, a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, and the Hoosiers retired his No. 32. 

Thompson is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. 

2. Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza has played just one season with the Hoosiers, but he’s already left a massive mark on the program. 

In just one season, he’s set the single-season passing touchdown record, throwing for 36. But his season isn’t yet over, as the Hoosiers, who were the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff in 2025, are seeking a national championship. 

Mendoza also won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O’Brien Award, was named the AP College Football Player of the Year, was a consensus All-American, Big Ten Most Valuable Player, and so much more. 

If he leads them to a national championship, he’ll earn the No. 1 spot. 

3. Antwaan Randle El

Randle El was a sensational dual-threat quarterback at Indiana, leading to 7,469 passing yards (second in school history), 42 passing touchdowns (fourth), 3,895 rushing yards (second), 44 rushing touchdowns (second), 11,364 total yards (first), and 86 total touchdowns (first). 

He was first-team All-American, Big Ten MVP, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and a two-time second-team All-Big Ten. 

 4. George Taliaferro

Taliferro played both quarterback and halfback while at Indiana from 1945 to 1948.

As a freshman, he led the Big Ten in rushing with 718 yards and 156 carries, helping Indiana to an undefeated Big Ten championship. 

He was named first-team All-American, two-time second-team All-American, two-time first-team All-Big Ten, and second-team All-Big Ten. 

Taliferro was also the first African American player drafted by an NFL team. 

5. Pete Pihos

Pihos played at Indiana from 1942 to 1943 and again from 1945 to 1946. He missed the 1944 season because he was drafted into the U.S. Army. 

While at Indiana, he was a first-team All-American, a second-team All-American, a two-time first-team All-Big Ten, and a two-time second-team All-Big Ten. 

As a sophomore, he caught 17 passes for 295 yards.

Then, as a junior, he caught 20 passes for 265 yards, four receiving touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. 

After he left Indiana after four seasons, he scored 138 points. He was the all-time leader in points, touchdowns, and receptions when he left. 

He’s enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. 

6. Tevin Coleman

Coleman played at Indiana from 2012 to 2014. He was a first-team All-Big Ten and a unanimous All-American during that time.

He had 452 carries across three seasons, but didn’t have more than 131 until his final season. 

In 2014, he ran 270 times for 2,036 yards, 15 touchdowns, and caught 25 passes for 141 yards. 

Today, he ranks fifth in rushing yards (3,219) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (28).

His 2,036 rushing yards in 2014 are the single-season record for the school. 

7. Nate Sudfeld

Sudfeld holds Indiana records in passing yards (7,879) and passing touchdowns (61). He also ranks second in total touchdowns (69) and third in total yards (8,011). 

He holds the single-season passing yards record with 3,573 in 2015. That same season, he had 27 passing touchdowns, which is fourth-most in a single season. 

8. Tracy Porter

Porter racked up 16 interceptions while at Indiana from 2004 to 2007. 

With that performance, he was first-team All-Big Ten in 2007 and second-team All-Big Ten in 2006. 

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About the Author Read More @richardjanvrin

Richard Janvrin is a content writer for BetMGM. His work is also published at sites like Forbes, WSN, Gambling.com, Legal Sports Report, and more. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Richard Janvrin is a content writer for BetMGM. His work is also published at sites like Forbes, WSN, Gambling.com, Legal Sports Report, and more. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire.