Top 10 Indiana Hoosier Football Players of All Time

Indiana football has produced iconic stars across generations — from two-way legends of the 1940s, to Bill Mallory’s smashmouth superstars of the 1980s, to the modern athletes who helped elevate the program under Kevin Wilson and Tom Allen. This list is the most complete, meticulously researched, and fact-checked ranking of the greatest Hoosiers ever to take the field.

10. Matt Mayberry — LB (2006–2009)

Matt Mayberry was a tackling machine and one of the emotional leaders of IU football in the late 2000s. His combination of downhill explosiveness, speed, and preparation made him one of the most consistent linebackers in the Big Ten. Mayberry recorded 108 tackles as a senior and routinely blew up run plays with perfectly timed gap shooting. He possessed excellent closing speed and the football IQ to diagnose plays quickly. Beyond his production, Mayberry’s leadership and toughness were invaluable to a defense that leaned heavily on his presence. He remains one of the best modern IU linebackers.

Matt Mayberry INSPIRES the Indiana Football Team

9. Van Waiters — LB (1985–1987)

Van Waiters was a rare physical specimen at linebacker — big, fast, long, explosive, and capable of playing multiple roles. He brought pass-rushing ability comparable to a defensive end while still maintaining the agility to cover and chase sideline-to-sideline. Waiters’ versatility was his trademark, but his physicality was just as impressive, delivering some of the hardest hits in program history. He played a key role in elevating IU’s defensive competitiveness in the mid-1980s and carried that physicality into the NFL. Waiters remains one of the most imposing defenders the Hoosiers have ever fielded.

Indiana Football’s Rise: A New Tradition for Hoosiers Fans

8. Vaughn Dunbar — RB (1990–1991)

Vaughn Dunbar authored one of the greatest seasons ever by a Big Ten running back when he rushed for 1,805 yards in 1991. His powerful, compact running style allowed him to break tackles and wear down defenses over four quarters. Dunbar’s vision and balance made him a nightmare in the open field, while his toughness made him nearly unstoppable between the tackles. He finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting and helped Indiana reach another bowl appearance. Although his IU career lasted only two years, his peak performance remains one of the highest points in program history.

Snider grad Vaughn Dunbar on 2023 ballot for College Football Hall of Fame

7. Dan Feeney — OL (2012–2016)

Dan Feeney is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in modern Big Ten history. A two-time First-Team All-American and four-time All-Big Ten selection, Feeney dominated at both guard and tackle. He provided elite pass protection and paved lanes for star running backs such as Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard. Feeney was known for his toughness, football intelligence, and consistent excellence. His leadership held IU’s offense together during multiple bowl seasons, and his immediate success in the NFL validated his reputation as one of the most technically refined linemen IU has ever produced.

#BTNAllDecade Team Selection: Indiana G Dan Feeney | Big Ten Football

6. Tevin Coleman — RB (2012–2014)

Tevin Coleman was one of the most explosive backs in college football during the 2010s. His 2,036-yard 2014 season was especially remarkable because he did it without consistent quarterback play — defenses knew he was getting the ball and still couldn’t stop him. Coleman possessed world-class speed, effortless acceleration, and rare vision, making him a home-run threat on every touch. He routinely turned broken plays into touchdowns and produced multiple 60+ yard scores. Coleman’s elite athleticism, production, and ability to dominate games make him one of IU’s greatest offensive weapons ever.

#IUFB RB Tevin Coleman

5. Trent Green — QB (1991–1992)

Trent Green was the most technically refined quarterback in Indiana history. He excelled in ball placement, decision-making, and pre-snap reads, guiding IU to multiple bowl appearances during the final successful stretch of the Mallory era. Green threw for more than 5,400 yards at IU and became known for his poise and efficiency against elite Big Ten defenses. His long and productive NFL career — including Pro Bowl appearances — further confirmed his exceptional skill. Green provided stability, leadership, and high-level execution, making him Indiana’s greatest pure passing quarterback.

Trent Green, the famous final scene

4. Pete Pihos — DE/WR (1942, 1945–1947)

Pete Pihos was a dominant two-way force who helped power Indiana’s 1945 championship team. As a defensive end, he was relentless against the run and the pass, using strength and leverage to overwhelm blockers. As a receiver, he was a reliable, physical target with strong hands and great situational awareness. His toughness and leadership stood out on a stacked roster, and his football intelligence carried over into a Hall of Fame NFL career. Pihos is remembered as one of the toughest and most complete athletes IU has ever produced.

Pete Pihos: Why the Daughter of an NFL Legend Calls Her Dad a Moving Biography | NFL Films Presents

3. Antwaan Randle El — QB/WR (1998–2001)

Antwaan Randle El transformed Indiana football and changed the way America viewed dual-threat quarterbacks. His ability to extend plays, escape pressure, and create magic out of chaos made him one of the most dangerous players in college football history. Randle El’s improvisational brilliance produced countless unforgettable moments, and his statistical achievements were groundbreaking. Though IU did not have elite teams during his tenure, Randle El made the Hoosiers nationally relevant through pure star power. His legacy extends beyond numbers — he inspired a generation of dynamic quarterbacks. He is, arguably, the most iconic Hoosier ever.

Antwaan Randle El Highlights

2. George Taliaferro — RB/QB/DB (1945–1948)

George Taliaferro was not just a star — he was a pioneer. The first African American ever drafted into the NFL, Taliaferro excelled at virtually every position: quarterback, running back, defensive back, punter, and returner. His versatility and athletic brilliance played a central role in Indiana’s only undefeated Big Ten championship season in 1945. Taliaferro earned three All-American selections and became known for his intelligence, competitive fire, and unmatched adaptability. His cultural impact on the sport is enormous, but his on-field greatness alone would place him among the top Hoosiers of all time.

George Taliaferro, IU running back and 1st black drafted by NFL team, dies at 91

1. Anthony Thompson — RB (1986–1989)

Anthony Thompson is the greatest Indiana Hoosier football player of all time. A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, Thompson set the NCAA record for career rushing touchdowns and remains IU’s all-time rushing leader with over 5,000 yards. His combination of power, vision, balance, and endurance made him virtually unstoppable. Thompson carried Indiana during the peak of the Mallory era, leading the Hoosiers to national relevance and postseason success. His 1989 season, featuring 1,700+ yards and 26 touchdowns, is one of the greatest in Big Ten history. No player has done more for IU football, on the field or in legacy, than Anthony Thompson.

Anthony Thompson Indiana Hall of Fame Induction