Hoosiers Plug Holes with Four Offensive Transfers From James Madison

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said that there were seven more signees who the Hoosiers were waiting on to finish their bowl game to announce. On Christmas Eve, a day after James Madison’s 31-21 Armed Forces Bowl loss to Air Force, those signees were announced. Four of them are coming on the offensive side of the ball (Click here to read about the additions on defense).

Nick Kidwell, OL, 6’5” 316 Pounds

Kidwell accumulated many preseason accolades and was on the Senior Bowl Watch List before suffering a season-ending injury four games into the 2023 season. He started nine games at right tackle in 2022 and the first four games there in 2023. He will help anchor an IU offensive line that needs depth and veteran leadership.

Zach Horton, TE, 6’4” 249 Pounds

Horton should come in and help right away at a position of need for IU. As a junior in 2023, Horton 27 catches for 275 yards and six touchdowns. IU has not had that kind of production out of a tight end since Peyton Hendershot. He earned First Team All-Sun Belt in 2023 and started all 13 games for JMU. For his career, Horton played in 33 games and made 40 catches for 434 yards and eight touchdowns.

Tyler Stephens, OL, 6’5” 306 Pounds

Stephens started all 13 games for the Dukes in 2023 and played three different positions (left guard, right and left tackle). He filled in at right tackle after Kidwell was hurt. He was a Second Team All-Sun Belt performer in 2023.

Kaelon Black, RB, 5’10” 210 Pounds

Black will bring depth and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. In his two seasons at JMU Black has put up very good numbers. In 2023 he ran for 637 yards on 142 rushes and caught 27 passes for 254 yards. He scored five total touchdowns.