Image: Hawaii Athletics
The Indiana Hoosiers have been busy in the transfer portal and their latest addition is Hawaii freshman punter Billy Gowers. While he is finishing up his freshman season, Gowers is 29 years old. In his first season playing American football Gowers punted 49 times for an average of 46.2 yards. He had 18 punts over 50 yards, forced 16 fair catches while pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 25 times with only two touchbacks.
He is a former Australian rules player who played in the Australian Football League for five seasons. Some of his accomplishments include:
- Was the leading goal kicker for the Western Bulldogs during the 2018 season.
- Also competed in the Victorian Football League.
- A three-time VFL Team of the Year Member.
- Was the VFL’s leading goal kicker in 2024.
- Named the 2024 Port Melbourne Best and Fairest Winner.
- Represented Australia in an exhibition match versus India in the sport of Kabaddi.
After burning out of the professional football in Australia, Gowers found American Football. Almost by accident.
“It started in August last year, that’s when I first touched an American football, really,” Gowers said in an article from UH Athletics. “I had a little kick at a park in Melbourne and the guy who I kicked with is the owner and the head coach of Prokick Australia. They’ve obviously got a big allegiance in American sport at the moment, and they’ve done so well with getting guys prepared and ready… so I started training with them.”
Outside of an experience punter, the Hoosiers are getting a potential team barber as well. Growers co-owns a barber shop called Zeppelin with a good friend.
The Hoosiers will have to replace Mitch McCarthy, another Prokick alumni for the 2026 season.