COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 18 Solomon VanHorse
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 185 pounds
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia (Milton High School)
Class/Position: Graduate+ / Running Back
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Continuing on with our annual Countdown to Kickoff, we move forward to day 18, where we highlight #18 himself Solomon VanHorse.
Solomon VanHorse is back in Bloomington for his second year as a Hoosier and his final year in college. Prior to Indiana, he spent six (6) years at James Madison University with Coach Curt Cignetti. Vanhorse is a very unique case as he enters his eighth (8) year of college football, as he first redshirted, then earned an extra year due to COVID, and then suffered two unfortunate injuries – basically back to back to boot – during his time at JMU. As such, he is Indiana’s most experienced player in the locker room and brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the program.
Coming out of high school, Vanhorse was lightly recruited, receiving offers from James Madison, Chattanooga, Hamline, and Howard. After working with Coach Cignetti at JMU, he arrived with the bevy of other transfers to Indiana upon Cignetti’s hire. Officially, Vanhorse is listed as a running back, but lists himself on X as a “playmaker” for Indiana football – and he has a point. Per iuhoosiers.com, Vanhorse became the 39th player in FBS or FCS history since 1996 to return a kickoff for touchdown, score a rushing touchdown, and have a receiving touchdown in the same game when he accomplished this feat during a 2020 matchup against Towson.
Some websites list Vanhorse as a “return specialist”, which was his primary role during Indiana’s banner 2024 season in addition to chipping in with some special teams tackles. Look for him to continue excelling at that role in 2025 for the Hoosiers. With Vanhorse’s very unique combination of experience, grit, determination, burst, and athleticism, there are not many better options in the country than Vanhorse in the return game.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!