The 2026 UIndy football season kicks off next week with a week-0 clash with crosstown Marian University in the "Monumental Matchup." With Greyhound offense already featured, let's get a closer look at the UIndy D.
 
All three levels feature impact players, including All-GLVC linebacker Alvin Contreras. Manning the nickel spot last season, Contreras authored a breakout campaign, racking up eight tackles for a loss and a team-high five interceptions while also scoring three defensive touchdowns. He was recently included on the preseason Elite 100 list by D2Football.com.
 
Said coach Stevie Roncelli of the nickel group: "Fans and alumni will enjoy watching how hard this group plays. Our guys have embraced the identity of being physical, disciplined, and playing for each other. They are committed to doing the little things the right way, and there's a genuine excitement within the room to represent the program well. They're building trust every day, and I think that will show on Saturdays."
 
The defense will also rely on returning starters Jerrell Franklin Jr. and TJ Cothron at the other inside linebacker spots. Franklin managed 79 total tackles as the starting Mike linebacker last year, adding eight TFLs, a pick and a forced fumble. Cothron, meanwhile, could move into a starting role after playing a key role on special teams as a true freshman in 2025.              
 
On the backend of the defense, two all-conference safeties and a pair of experienced cornerbacks lead a deep group. Eli Liapis—another Elite 100 honoree—and Mario Williams represent a talented 1-2 punch at safety, while veteran BeDrince Johnson and Eastern Kentucky-transfer Kevin Ford have emerged at the top of the depth chart at corner.
 
Regarding his room, DB coach Andrew Brady notes: "I loves their willingness to be coached hard and desire to get better at their craft. Our ability to communicate and execute our '1/11th' on every play with high energy and attention to detail is a real strength."
 
UIndy has depth in the trenches as well. Experienced d-linemen Julian Dandridge, Wrigley Franklin and Davon Watson have returned to the fold and will be joined up front by Dupage-transfer and NJCAA All-American Dontay Fort.
 
"One of the biggest things I've been seeing is the guys are really stepping up," said defensive line coach and DC Rahju Blackmon. "We've got several guys who are playing the best football they've played since they've been here. You can see the development not just physically but in their confidence, their understanding of what we're asking them to do, and how consistently they're doing it.
 
"It's been exciting to watch guys take another step and start becoming the players we believed they could."
 
On special teams, sophomore Andrew Herron returns after handling field goal and punting duties as a freshman in '25. Reigning GLVC Special Team Player Anthony Crowell is also back. The standout senior ranked third in the nation in punt return average last fall and also added a kickoff return touchdown.
 
The Greyhounds open the season at Key Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 27 when they host Marian in the fifth-ever Monumental Matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Last season, the Greyhounds defeated the Knights, 45-21.