The Indiana Hoosier safeties had an outstanding year in 2025, accounting for 12 of the team's 19 interceptions and 10.5 sacks. Now comes the rebuild.IU loses Lou Moore to the NFL, but replaces him with Wisconsin transfer Preston Zachman and returns Amare Ferrell and Byron Baldwin.The Starting Three Should be Tops in the Big TenThe Hoosiers defense plays two traditional safeties, plus a rover which is a hybrid between a safety and a linebacker. Amare Ferrell, Free Safety, SeniorIndiana's Amare Ferrell (1) looks toward the Miami bench after a play during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFerrell turned down the NFL Draft to return to Indiana for a fourth season. He has been one of the best safeties in recent IU history and the numbers back that sentiment up. In 28 starts across 41 games played, Ferrell has racked up 107 tackles, seven tackles for loss and eight interceptions.He gives the Hoosiers defense a veteran voice on the back end who has been in the system for two seasons. Ferrell has a nose for the ball and is physical against the run. He has been burned at times by taking poor angles, but he has been a rock-solid pillar on defense. Ferrell said during spring practice, "I want to make everybody around me better, make everybody's job easier. Communicate and fly around for my brothers."Come join the Preseason Indiana Football Discussion on the Hoosier Huddle ForumsPreston Zachman, Strong Safety, Redshirt SeniorWisconsin cornerback Max Lofy (12) and safety Preston Zachman (14) are shown during the first quarter of their game Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Purdue 52-6.