One of the keys to Indiana’s success last season was the emergence of “do it all” tight end Zach Horton. Horton was a dominant blocker leading the way for IU’s running backs while also being a reliable target in the passing game. After Horton signed with the Lions as an UDFA following the 2024 season, IU needed someone to fill his shoes. Enter Riley Nowakowski.
A veteran transfer from Wisconsin who saw time as both a tight end and fullback with the Badgers, Nowakowski was well aware of the role he would be stepping into when he arrived in Bloomington.
“That was a big part of my recruitment process, watching a lot of [Zach Horton’s] film. We have a similar build and similar play style, so that was a big draw. Coach [Grant] Cain told me I fit this role really well. So, that was a big draw for me.” Nowakowski explained on Wednesday, when asked about his recruitment process.
Like the rest of the college football world, Nowakowski paid attention to the turnaround that Coach Cig and the Hoosiers had in 2024.
“Being a part of the Big Ten last year, I was watching them all year long. We played them the year prior, in 2023, and lost to them. They were kind of on my mind, and then to see them the next year with the turnaround and everything, that was a big draw when I was looking to come here: what [Curt Cignetti] did with this team in only one year. Having played them the year before and knowing what they were like then, and seeing 2024, it was a big difference.” Nowakowski continued.
Turning to 2025, Nowakowski is ready to take the field as a Hoosier. When asked how he fits into the Indiana offense, Nowakowski said:
“I played fullback back at Wisconsin, so I have a little bit of that hard-nosed, downhill mentality; a lot of gap scheme, a lot of power, and all of that stuff. But then, I feel like I have enough athleticism, enough wiggle to get open in the pass game and be a threat. People don’t know that I have a little bit of speed, so I feel like I am a little bit of a deep threat.”
As a veteran player who can be a force in both the run and pass game, Nowakowski seems to be poised for a successful 2025 season with the Hoosiers.