The memories of IU’s unprecedented and historic unbeaten run to the National Championship are still fresh in our minds but the work is just beginning for the 2026-2027 Indiana Hoosiers. As Curt Cignetti and his staff gear up for year number three in Bloomington and embark on a quest to become repeat champs, Hoosier Huddle’s Countdown to Kickoff rolls on!
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 pounds
Hometown: Mullaghbawn, Ireland (transfer from Troy)
Class/Position: Redshirt Senior/Kicker
The oft-forgotten third aspect of the game, special teams, was a major strength for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025. Mitch McCarthy was a solid punter in his one season in Bloomington, averaging 41.65 yards per punt on his 37 attempts. Nico Radicic established himself as one of the best kickers in the country, connecting on 94.7% of his attempts (18 of 19) and making every extra point.
Roman Hemby and Jonathan Brady were very good returners and the Hoosiers had multiple blocked punts that were keys to success. Brendan Franke was brought in to be the kickoff specialist and he was unbelievably good in the first half of the season before a groin injury sidelined him. Quinn Warren stepped in a performed admirably but the touchback percentage dropped from 85.19 with Franke to 58.93 with Warren. Curt Cignetti clearly liked what he saw from a long-kick and kickoff specialist as he added another for the 2026 campaign. That player, Riley McAteer, is the focus of today’s countdown profile.
McAteer is a 6’2” redshirt senior that played last season at Troy. Prior to that season, McAteer kicked an American football for the first time in 2024. He grew up in Ireland and played for Mullaghbawn Gaelic Football Club. Gaelic Football is a cross between rugby and soccer and is the national sport of Ireland. In his two seasons at Troy, McAteer had six kicks go out of bounds and that is a valid concern but he increased his touchback rate to 57.7% and then introduced himself to IU fans by booming kicks at the Spring Game in Memorial Stadium.
During the game itself, Paddy McAteer connected on a 56-yard field goal that looked like it could have been good from more than 60 yards out. He clearly has a cannon and it will be up to the IU coaching staff to iron out the technique issues that resulted in multiple kicks going out of bounds. If he can keep it in bounds, IU fans can expect a lot of touchbacks and precious few opportunities for opponents to return kicks. In addition, McAteer is expected to serve as the long-range field goal kicker, if that is needed.
The countdown continues each day on Hoosier Huddle until IU kicks off the 2026 season against the North Texas Mean Green!
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