2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 84 Days (Nick Kidwell)

Written By Ben Gillard (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Welcome, Hoosier fans to the 2024 Hoosier Huddle Countdown! Over the next 100 days the Hoosier Huddle staff will feature every player on the 2024 roster in anticipation of the season opener on August 31st against the FIU Golden Panthers. Today, we look at James Madison transfer Nick Kidwell.

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: # 84 (#55) – Nick Kidwell

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 317 pounds

Hometown: Knoxville, Maryland

High School: Boonsboro 

Class/Position: Redshirt Senior + / Offensive Line

One of the biggest wins in the portal this offseason, star offensive lineman Nick Kidwell follows Coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana. 

At James Madison, Kidwell appeared in 52 games with 34 starts in his 6 seasons with the Dukes. Over his time with the Dukes, he saw snaps at Right Tackle and Right Guard, and anchored an offensive line that helped James Madison rank in the top 30 in five offensive categories during their inaugural FBS season.

In 2023, Kidwell was poised to have a monumental season. He was voted to the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team, Group of Five Second Team Preseason All-American, and Sun Belt Preseason Offensive Lineman of the Year. Additionally, Kidwell was on the Outland Trophy and Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlists. Unfortunately, Kidwell suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the season, which led to a medical hardship waiver and his transfer to the Hoosiers.  

Perhaps the most important aspect that Kidwell brings to the Hoosiers is his leadership and veteran presence. On an offensive line that lost Zach Carpenter, Kahlil Benson, and Matthew Bedford, Kidwell brings years of experience and a knowledge of Cignetti’s scheme which will help the underclassman and new transfers to play at a high level. Look for Kidwell to be the undisputed leader and heart and soul of IU’s offensive line this season.