For Deland McCullough II, it was Always a Dream to Play at Indiana.

Written by Zach Greene (@Zgreene650)

Growing up in Bloomington, Deland McCullough II was bled into the Hoosiers football program as his dad Deland McCullough helped coach the running backs from 2011-2016. During these years, McCullough II fell in love with Indiana and knew that he wanted to come back to play for this program when he got older.

“When I was young, my dad was coaching here for six seasons, and I fell in love with it. Here in Bloomington and just IU football and everything just the atmosphere, and it just became a reality here within the last couple of months.”

A three-star prospect out of Blue Valley North in Leawood, Kansas, McCullough II committed to his father’s alma mater Miami (OH), after offers from Bowling Green, Buffalo, and Central Michigan.

At Indiana McCullough II, will play mostly safety and join his father and two brothers Dasan and Daeh, both of whom are committed to the program.

“I'll be mostly a safety, that’s what they have planned for me,” uttered McCullough ii.

Playing for the Hoosiers has always been a dream of his, but it makes it that bit better to play with his brothers. That said, it still seems surreal to McCullough ii.

“It’s exciting, and when you have your dad right around the corner, especially being on the same staff and everything,” stated McCullough ii. “Man, it's, it's eye-opening, I would say, because when I'm working out, I'm like, Man, I remember when I was in here, and I was 13 or something like that and just trying to work out, and it's just, it's been a long road, but I'm really excited. I really like and what's going on so far. I can't wait for this thing to really get moved.”

McCullough II had no idea that his dad Deland McCullough would take the associate head coaching job at the beginning of the year and leave his position with the Kanas City Chiefs. Once he found out and had the opportunity to enter the transfer portal, McCullough knew exactly where he wanted to go.

“Due to other circumstances, I decided that it was something I wanted to do. After further conversation with my dad and the coaches after I entered the portal, they made it happen.”

Brotherhood is what Tom Allen preaches in his rising program. The McCullough family brings tenacity, experience, and leadership, which will help this football team reach its ultimate goal of capturing a Big Ten title.