2025 Countdown to Kickoff: #23 – Amariyun Knighten
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 174 pounds
Hometown: Hollywood, Florida (transfer from Northern Illinois)
Class/Position: Redshirt Junior/Defensive Back
The Indiana Hoosiers are poised to have one of the most talented secondary units in the Big Ten. IU’s group of safeties and cornerbacks are, quite possibly, the best at the position that Indiana has had in school history. The headliners are All-American cornerback De’Angelo Ponds and playmaker Amare Ferrell but the group also includes transfers Louis Moore, Ryland Gandy, Devan Boykin and today’s countdown focus: Amariyun Knighten. The redshirt junior arrives at IU after spending three seasons at Northern Illinois and starting 14 games after redshirting his initial campaign.
Knighten was named the Lott Trophy National Defensive Player of the Week after his interception in week number two setup the winning field goal that stunned the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Knighten is 6’0” and very versatile as he has played on the outside and as a slot corner. He should also offer the ability to slide to the Rover position, if the coaching staff needs him to. Knighten began his collegiate career in Naperville after starring for Deerfield Beach High School in Florida and earning all-conference honors. Knighten has two years of eligibility remaining.
He joins a room with sky-high expectations and a ton of competition for playing time. How that competition shakes out is anyone’s guess but we can certainly assume that De’Angelo Ponds is going to be one starting cornerback. I am of the opinion that Jamari Sharpe will end up starting as the second cornerback and Ryland Gandy will start in the slot but Knighten can certainly make a case for himself. He was injured during the spring but will have an opportunity to earn playing time as a member of the rotation.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!