Branden Sharpe started his prep career with lots of potential and endless college options.His athleticism was obvious even before he entered Brownsburg High School in suburban Indianapolis. It didn’t take long for the lean, 5-foot-9 receiver to go from Football Bowl Subdivision hopeful to Power Four recruit.Three years ago, Sharpe and other in-state players had little interest in playing for Indiana. The Hoosiers had won just nine games and were 3-24 in the Big Ten from 2021-23. They played in front of half-full stadiums and carried the banner of FBS’ losingest program.The program’s most successful back-to-back seasons has changed the whole equation.Afte landing just two of the state’s top 12 recruits in 2025, the class of 2026 has three of the top seven and five of the top 20. And next year’s freshmen class already includes commitments from two of the top five in-state targets — Lawrence North receiver Monshun Sales, the nation’s No. 12 recruit according to Rivals.com and the highest rated prospect in school history, and, yes, even the surprised Sharpe.
“In 2023, you know, no one was really giving a thought to Indiana, no one was really talking about going to Indiana games,” Sharpe said before naming coach Curt Cignetti. “But then the Coach Cig effect, he gets there, they start winning a few games and it’s like everyone (likes) IU football. And the culture he’s built and the fan base that’s behind him, it’s great.”
