The Indiana Men’s Basketball (IUBB) season officially gets underway in 28 days when the Hoosiers take on Alabama A&M on Wednesday, November 5 at Assembly Hall. Just like our football coverage, we are doing a countdown to tip-off. Today we take a look at redshirt junior walk-on guard Jordan Rayford.
Name: Jordan Rayford
Height/Weight: 6’5” / 210 lbs
Hometown/High School: Washington D.C. / Philips Academy Andover
Class: Redshirt Junior
Position: Guard
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Jordan Rayford enters year three in the Cream and Crimson. He joins fellow walk-on Ian Stephens in that regard as key cogs to the new Hoosiers’ regime under Head Coach Darian DeVries. That being, he and Stephens are among the very few players to have played under both former Head Coach Mike Woodson and current Head Coach Darian DeVries. This brings immense value, as Rayford and the other players who were part of both regimes can ease the transition for the large amount of newcomers to Bloomington. They can show others what it means to be a Hoosier and what playing basketball in this state really means. That has incredible value, and Rayford can offer just that for the 2025-2026 season.
This is not Rayford’s first stop in college, however. He transferred from the Air Force Academy after his freshman year. He suffered a shoulder injury that year and did not play, but made the Dean’s List per iuhoosiers.com. After transferring to Bloomington, Rayford kept his strong focus and determination going, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors while also being a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and earning NABC Honors Court. This goes without saying, but the Hoosiers got a good one in Rayford.
Rayford had a strong high school career, averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a senior and looks to bring his strong all around game to push his teammates in practice throughout the season. Head Coach Darian DeVries kept Rayford around for a reason during the coaching transition. Doing some digging, we can see why. Look for Rayford to be a key cog to this Hoosiers team in the 2025-2026 season as he bolsters the intensity and effort this team brings night in and night out through his example behind the scenes.
The Hoosiers are set to open the regular season at Assembly Hall on November 5th against Alabama A&M. Stay locked in with Hoosiers Huddle for all things Indiana Basketball, Indiana Football, and all other Indiana sports – all the time.