INDIANA JUST DROPPED A BOMBSHELL ROSTER MOVE! Hoosiers Activate 2 Veterans Off IR, Who Will Play Tomorrow

Indiana basketball made a statement without saying a word on Sunday night. With the regular season tightening and every game carrying postseason weight, the Hoosiers quietly activated two veterans off injured reserve, instantly reshaping the rotation ahead of a critical matchup. Guards and forwards around the Big Ten took notice, and so did the fans inside Bloomington.

Jason Drake and Josh Harris are officially back.

After missing the entire early portion of the 2025–26 season with lower-body injuries, the two experienced contributors have been cleared to play and are expected to be available when Indiana hosts Oregon at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Monday night, February 9, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The timing could not be more significant for an Indiana team sitting at 16–8 and searching for consistency as February begins.

For head coach Darian DeVries, the return of Drake and Harris is less about headlines and more about stability. “Getting healthy bodies back changes the way you manage a game,” DeVries said as the team finalized preparations. “Jason and Josh know our system, they understand our standards, and they’ve earned the trust of the locker room.”

Drake, now in his third year with the program, was expected to be a steady backcourt presence before his injury sidelined him before opening night. Known for his defensive discipline and calm decision-making, his absence forced Indiana to lean heavily on transfers and underclassmen. His return adds an element of control that has been missing during key stretches this season.

“Watching from the sidelines was the hardest part,” Drake said after practice. “You want to be out there competing with your guys. I’m grateful to be healthy again, and I’m ready to do whatever the team needs, whether that’s five minutes or twenty.”

Josh Harris brings a different but equally valuable dimension. The second-year forward provides physicality, rebounding, and positional versatility in the frontcourt. Indiana has relied heavily on size this season, particularly with Reed Bailey anchoring the paint at 7 feet tall, but depth has been thin. Harris’ activation gives DeVries more flexibility, especially in matchups that demand toughness and energy.

“I’ve been counting the days,” Harris said. “This team has battled all season, and I wanted to be part of that fight. Being back in uniform feels like a reset.”

The roster boost arrives at a crucial moment. Starting guard Tayton Conerway has been dealing with illness and is being monitored closely ahead of tipoff. While he is not ruled out, his status has added urgency to Indiana’s decision-making. With Drake available, the coaching staff has insurance in the backcourt, something that did not exist even a week ago.

Indiana’s projected starting group remains anchored by familiar names. Conor Enright, the transfer from DePaul, continues to run the offense with composure. Lamar Wilkerson leads the team in three-point shooting and has become a reliable perimeter threat. Tucker DeVries, the coach’s son, remains the focal point offensively, blending scoring with leadership. Reed Bailey’s presence in the paint has transformed Indiana’s interior defense, while Sam Alexis, whose fitness has been monitored, is expected to suit up and contribute.

What changes now is the margin for error.

For weeks, Indiana has played with a shortened rotation, often pushing starters deep into games. Fatigue showed in late-game possessions and defensive lapses that turned close contests into narrow losses. The return of two veterans gives DeVries the option to manage minutes more strategically, particularly against an Oregon team known for tempo and physical play.

Jordan Rayford’s season-ending injury earlier this year underscored how quickly depth can disappear. Losing Rayford forced younger players into roles they were still growing into. While those minutes may pay dividends in the future, the present demanded experience. Drake and Harris answer that call.

Inside Assembly Hall, the mood has shifted. Practices have carried a sharper edge, and teammates have responded to the added competition. One assistant coach noted that drills immediately intensified once Drake and Harris rejoined full contact sessions, pushing everyone to elevate their level.

From a broader perspective, Indiana’s move signals belief. Activating injured players is not just a medical decision but a competitive one. It reflects confidence that the season’s goals remain within reach. At 16–8, the Hoosiers are firmly in the conversation, but the margin between momentum and mediocrity is thin.

Oregon arrives in Bloomington aware that the scouting report has changed. A team that once faced a shorter bench now must account for fresh legs and veteran instincts. Even limited minutes from Drake and Harris could swing matchups, influence foul trouble, and stabilize rotations during critical stretches.

DeVries acknowledged the balance ahead. “We’re not asking them to be heroes on night one,” he said. “We’re asking them to be themselves, play within the team, and help us win possessions.”

For fans, the excitement is layered with curiosity. The return of two players who have not yet logged a minute this season introduces an element of unpredictability. How quickly will Drake find his rhythm. How will Harris mesh alongside Bailey and Alexis. Those answers will unfold on the court, possession by possession, without theatrics.

Yet the message is clear. Indiana is healthier, deeper, and more prepared than it was a week ago.

As Monday night approaches, the Hoosiers step onto their home floor with renewed options and renewed belief. Two veterans are back, the rotation is stronger, and the season’s second half begins with a subtle but powerful shift. In a conference where details decide outcomes, Indiana has quietly tipped the balance back in its favor.