BIG NEWS: Indiana PREDICTED to Land 4-Star Forward Trevor Manhertz for 2026 Class!

Indiana Hoosiers fans, buckle up—recruiting season just turned red-hot in Bloomington. The buzz around the program reached a fever pitch this week as 4-star forward Trevor Manhertz announced his commitment to Indiana, reclassifying from the 2027 class to join the Hoosiers for the 2026-27 season. The 6-foot-8 versatile wing from Christ School in North Carolina chose IU over heavyweights like Duke and Louisville, delivering a massive boost to Coach Darian DeVries’ rebuilding efforts. This move instantly elevates the 2026 class to national top-30 status and signals that the Hoosiers are back in the conversation for elite high school talent.

Manhertz becomes the third pledge in what is shaping up to be a powerhouse recruiting haul. He joins 4-star guard Prince-Alexander Moody, a dynamic playmaker known for his explosive athleticism and court vision, and 4-star wing Vaughn Karvala, a sharpshooting scorer with NBA-level length and shooting touch. Together, this trio forms a balanced, high-upside group that could transform Indiana’s roster in the coming years. Manhertz, ranked as the No. 52 prospect nationally in his original class (per 247Sports Composite), brings a rare combination of size, shooting range, and defensive versatility.

His left-handed stroke from beyond the arc—highlighted by a game last summer where he drained nine 3-pointers—adds immediate spacing to the Hoosiers’ offense. At 6-8, he projects as a multi-positional forward who can stretch defenses, switch on perimeter players, and finish through contact inside.

The timing of Manhertz’s announcement couldn’t be better. It came just one day after Indiana delivered a statement victory on the court, upsetting No. 12 Purdue 72-67 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers’ gritty performance not only snapped Purdue’s momentum but also showcased the kind of toughness and resilience that DeVries has been preaching since taking over the program. In a game that felt like a turning point, Indiana jumped out to a 40-29 halftime lead behind a dominant first half, then held off a furious Boilermaker comeback in the second.

This Quad 1 triumph marked Indiana’s first signature win of the DeVries era and proved the Hoosiers can compete with the Big Ten’s elite.

Analyst Jacob Goins, host of the popular Locked On Hoosiers podcast, broke down the victory in detail, highlighting the standout performances from guards Lamar Wilkerson and Nick Dorn. Wilkerson poured in 19 points, using his quickness to create separation and knock down timely shots. Dorn added 18 points, including several clutch 3-pointers that kept Purdue at bay. Goins emphasized the defensive intensity at Assembly Hall, where the crowd’s energy fueled a relentless effort that disrupted Purdue’s rhythm and forced turnovers. “This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement,” Goins said.

“The Hoosiers showed heart, physicality, and the ability to close out games. That’s exactly what DeVries needs to build a sustainable winner.”

The Purdue upset carries huge implications for Indiana’s season trajectory. With a 14-7 record (5-5 in Big Ten play) entering late January, the Hoosiers are fighting for NCAA Tournament positioning. Beating a top-15 opponent on the road (in this case, at home against a ranked rival) boosts their resume dramatically and could spark a late-season surge. DeVries, in his first year at the helm after successful stints at Drake and West Virginia, has emphasized culture, toughness, and player development. This victory, combined with the recruiting momentum, suggests his vision is taking root.

Looking ahead, Indiana has key matchups on the horizon against UCLA and USC—two West Coast powerhouses that will test the Hoosiers’ depth and resolve. These games will be crucial for building confidence and stacking more quality wins. If Indiana can carry the same defensive intensity and offensive balance seen against Purdue, they could climb the Big Ten standings and position themselves for a deep postseason run. DeVries’ squad has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with young talent like Tucker DeVries (his son and a key contributor) stepping up alongside veterans, the ceiling is rising fast.

Off the court, the 2026 class is already drawing comparisons to some of Indiana’s best recent hauls. Moody brings elite guard skills, Karvala offers scoring punch from the wing, and Manhertz provides the size and shooting that modern college basketball demands. This group could form the core of a team ready to challenge for Big Ten titles and NCAA Tournament berths by 2027 or 2028. DeVries has quickly proven he can close on top recruits, even against blue-blood programs.

Landing Manhertz after official visits to all three finalists underscores the appeal of Bloomington—the storied tradition, passionate fan base, and a coach with a track record of maximizing talent.

For Hoosiers fans weary from recent struggles, this is the kind of news that reignites hope. The program is no longer rebuilding—it’s reloading. The combination of on-court grit, as displayed against Purdue, and off-court wins like Manhertz’s commitment paints a picture of a program on the rise. DeVries is instilling a winning mentality, and the results are starting to show.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on how this momentum translates. Can Indiana build on the Purdue win and turn it into a streak? Will the 2026 class continue to grow with more commitments? One thing is clear: the Hoosiers are trending upward, and Trevor Manhertz’s decision is a massive piece of that puzzle. This isn’t just big news—it’s the start of something special in Bloomington.