Countdown to 2026 Indiana Football- 36 Days Clay Conner

Some journeys look different than others, and today we will highlight one that began just about 110 miles south of Bloomington. From high school standout to walk-on to special teams contributor, Clay Conner continues to make his mark as a Hoosier. The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Football Kickoff continues with Day 36.

Height: 6-4

Weight: 206 lbs

Hometown: Boonville, Ind

Clay Conner developed as an overall athlete on the football field while at Boonville High School. He could be found contributing at every level of football. As a senior, he totaled over 2,000 yards of offense. On the other side of the ball, he brought in 63 tackles and six interceptions as a senior. Conner played both quarterback and defensive back throughout high school, and in his senior year he fell into a free safety role. His versatility across positions has made him a player with a high football IQ, especially in the defensive back position. Conner also excelled on the basketball court for the Pioneers. 

Out of high school, Conner was listed as an athlete by 247Sports and ranked as a zero-star prospect. The 6-foot-5 athlete received four other offers from Kentucky Wesleyan, Valparaiso, Indiana State, and Culver-Stockton College. He inevitably chose to walk on as a Hoosier in February of 2023, and he has continued to earn his spot ever since. 

Conner redshirted his freshman season in 2023, and in 2024 he made his collegiate debut in the Hoosiers’ 66-0 win over Purdue. In the 2025 season, Conner saw significantly more action, appearing in all 16 games as a special teams contributor. Conner tallied one solo tackle, three assists, and four combined tackles. Conner will most likely fill a similar role on special teams in 2026, but with another year of development, he is well-positioned to make an even bigger impact.

The countdown continues each day on Hoosier Huddle until the Hoosiers kick off the 2026 season against the North Texas Mean Green!