Kahlil Benson

Kahlil (Kuh-leal) Benson, who has two sisters, grew up in northwest Mississippi with his mother (LaTonya Benson). He attended Southaven High School, where he played football and lettered in track — he qualified for states in the discus (127 feet). He played both ways on the football team at right guard and defensive tackle, earning all-state honors as a senior captain in 2019. A three-star recruit, he initially committed to Ole Miss in June 2019 before decommitting and choosing Indiana over Mississippi State. His first two seasons in Bloomington were sidetracked by an ACL injury, but he broke into the starting lineup in 2022 and stayed there in 2023. After Indiana fired Tom Allen, Benson entered the transfer portal and then spent the 2024 season blocking for Shedeur Sanders at Colorado. He transferred back to the Hoosiers for the 2025 season and was the starting right tackle for QB Fernando Mendoza, helping Indiana win a national championship. Benson is a high-cut and top-heavy blocker with stiffness in his lower half that creates balance issues, especially in space. But he uses his long arms and big paws to help compensate. He is at his best in the run game, where his competitive disposition helps him remove defenders from gaps. He needs to improve his recognition skills in pass protection to better adjust to stunts and delayed blitzes. Overall, Benson has sloppy tendencies that he must continue to address, but his natural size and length — along with his run-game attitude — will give him a chance in a pro camp. His best long-term position is likely inside at guard.