Curt Cignetti's Indiana Hoosiers are aggressively pursuing top talent in the 2027 recruiting class, and a key in-state target is hinting at his college destination. While the 2026 recruiting efforts are promising, the focus is also on building a strong foundation for the future with the 2027 class. Indiana has already secured a commitment from four-star quarterback Jameson Purcell for 2027, who is considered a potential franchise QB and has a strong relationship with the team’s QB coach Chandler Whitmer.

Now, another prized target has emerged: four-star safety Kaleb Elkins from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Elkins is teasing his college commitment intentions, and the buzz is tilting toward Ohio State. Elkins said his long-time dream was to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. A visit to Columbus for Ohio State's season opener against Texas on August 30th is planned, offering Elkins a firsthand look at the program's winning tradition and path to the NFL.

More than facilities, Elkins seems to be building a strong connection with OSU's safeties coach, Matt Guerrieri, who has been explaining how Elkins' skills could be honed at Ohio State to help him reach the NFL.

Cignetti has emphasized the importance of improving Indiana's infrastructure to compete with major programs like Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida on the recruiting trail. He acknowledges the need to win recruiting battles against these powerhouse programs. Despite the challenges, Cignetti believes Indiana can now walk through recruiting doors they previously couldn't, and Elkins is a prime example.

Elkins has visits scheduled to Ohio State (Aug. 30), Alabama (Nov. 8 for a matchup with LSU), and Indiana (Sept. 20, when the Hoosiers host Illinois). He told Steve Wiltfong of Rivals/On3 Sports that he values Indiana's proximity to home and the relationships he's built with Cignetti and other coaches. Elkins said he loves the coaching staff at IU and feels like they've built a relationship over the past few months. However, he also emphasized Ohio State and Alabama's track record of winning and producing NFL players.

Indiana's recruiting approach under Cignetti involves persistence, relationship-building, and strategic use of the transfer portal. Cignetti looks for players who are passionate, goal-oriented, and have good character. He focuses on both recruiting and player development to build a successful program. While the Hoosiers have made strides in recruiting, they are still working to prove they can consistently win games and develop NFL-caliber players.

The Hoosiers have been active in recruiting for the 2026 class as well, landing Ohio product Henry Ohlinger, a four-star running back/linebacker. Cignetti has also emphasized the importance of recruiting and developing players in the trenches. Indiana's 2025 recruiting class included several offensive and defensive linemen.