Consistency and experience matter, and that is what Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti values the most. His success at Indiana and the turnaround he has been able to conduct flow from having the right guys in pivotal positions. That seems to be the case at left tackle this season with Carter Smith.
In a recent article, Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick highlight a potential underrated hero for the Hoosiers this season in left tackle Carter Smith. Here is what they said about Smith:
“Smith was eighth on PFF’s preseason tackles list last year. Now, he checks in at No. 8 on our overall rankings. The reigning national champion has been the most valuable tackle in the nation over the past two seasons, according to PFF WAA.
Smith is entering his fourth season as Indiana’s starting left tackle and is the only returning FBS tackle who ranked among the top 10 in both PFF pass-blocking grade and PFF run-blocking grade in 2025. He pairs outstanding play strength with a competitive mentality and should be transfer quarterback Josh Hoover’s best friend this season.”
With the Hoosiers having a premier tackle and a run game that should be lethal once again, Gary Patterson will have to get creative with how he will attack the Hoosiers offense. The Trojans have solid talent on the edge, but with Carter Smith, Patterson might have to tap into many different strategic blitz packages.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Indiana Hoosiers return left tackle who will test USC defensive line
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
