‘Indiana is a great fit for me’: 2026 3-star wide receiver Walker Bryson commits to the Hoosiers
Indiana football’s red-hot summer on the recruiting trail continued Friday with the commitment of 2026 three-star wide receiver Walker Bryson.
The 6-foot, 180-pound playmaker out of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Ga.) announced his decision nearly a month after an official visit to Bloomington in early June — a trip that left a lasting impression on the speedy athlete.
“I think Indiana is a great fit for me,” Bryson told TheHoosier.com. “First of all, just because of the feel I got there — just the hospitality I got from everyone on the staff and even the players that I got to meet.”
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Bryson, ranked No. 511 nationally in the 2026 cycle per the Rivals Industry Ranking, becomes the 21st commit in Indiana’s class of 2026. With his pledge, the Hoosiers now hold the No. 27 class nationally and No. 9 in the Big Ten.
He chose Indiana over a host of offers, including Wake Forest and North Carolina, bringing elite speed and versatility to a Hoosiers offense that ranked amongst the nation’s best last season under head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan.
“On the field, it’s a great opportunity for me to come in and do what I need to do and possibly get on the field early,” Bryson said. “Plus the development from Coach Shanahan and playing under Coach Cignetti is a huge benefit.”
Despite missing time last fall due to injury, Bryson caught 40 passes for 500 yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven and a half games. He also added 400 yards in the return game, using his unofficial 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed to make a major impact on special teams.
The Hoosiers are recruiting Bryson as a wideout, but they too see room for him to shine on special teams.
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“We’ve had meetings about returning too,” Bryson said. “I think I could make an impact there.”
One of the more eye-opening moments of Bryon’s recruitment came during his time on campus, particularly in the film room, where the coaching staff detailed how he’d fit into their high-powered offensive scheme.
“The thing that stood out to me was just the amount of time I had sitting down with the coaches,” Bryson said. “Going over my film and how I could fit into the offense.”
The Hoosiers fielded one of the most explosive offensive units in college football in 2024, finishing the year ranked second in points per game. The breakout success, particularly in Indiana’s receiving room, didn’t go unnoticed by Bryson.
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He joins fellow three-star Kortez Rupert as the second wideout in Indiana’s 2026 class, which is nearing its final form. Bryson’s pledge follows recent commitments from quarterback Cash Herrera, safety Jamar Owens and defensive lineman Cameron McHaney.
With Bryson on board, the Hoosiers add a dynamic, field-stretching threat who can score any time he touches the ball.
“I want [Indiana fans] to know that I’m going to come in fully committed,” Bryson said. “And play as hard as I can to help the team.”
Check out some of Bryson’s highlights below.
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