2021 Countdown to Kickoff: 50 Days (Zach Carpenter)

We are officially halfway through the Countdown, folks! Exactly 50 days until Indiana faces Iowa to open the 2021 season. Today we feature a pair of linemen who will wear the Hoosiers’ number 50 jerseys in 2021– first on offense, Zach Carpenter and later today defensive lineman Sio Nofoagatoto’a.

Zach Carpenter

Position: Offensive Lineman

Year: Redshirt Sophomore

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller)

Height/Weight: 6’5”/320 pounds

Zach Carpenter was one of IU’s off-season commitments gained via the transfer portal. After two seasons with Michigan football, Carpenter saw a spot for himself on the Hoosier offensive line, and joined the program in the Spring to get ahead of his first season that will be played in front of fans.

“I've always seen myself as a leader,” Carpenter said during his introductory IU press conference in March, “ I think definitely getting some Big Ten playing experience has also been beneficial to that as well. Obviously, there are no fans, but I'm confident that even if there is, that I will be able to lead that offensive line out there.”

Carpenter utilized his redshirt for his first season in 2019. The Cincinnati native made his college football debut last October in Michigan’s season opener vs. Minnesota. He ended up landing the starting center spot in Michigan’s final two games in 2020— versus Rutgers and Penn State. Carpenter ended up being one of at least 18 Michigan players to transfer out after suffering a 2-4 losing record in the shortened 2020 season. Since he was offered and visited IU, he was already familiar with the program, so his search for a new offensive line did not take long.

“It wasn't difficult at all,” Carpenter explained. “Throughout the season Indiana Football was big. All over, national coverage, really put them in my mind for where I want to go. That is kind of a couple of schools I had in mind, but Indiana was always one. I think right off the bat nothing really changed. They were interested in me and I was interested in them, so it wasn't too difficult at all.”

Carpenter was actually offered by IU in September of 2017 and attended to IU’s Junior Day in 2018, so he knew what Bloomington had to offer, and now he is getting to experience what Tom Allen has transformed the football program into.

“It has been everything and more. This place is special. The culture here is unreal. The players have all been welcoming. I've never felt uncomfortable or anything like that. They have been here, taking me in, helping me out in any way they can. The coaching staff here is great. They really care about their players and they want the best for them.”

Expect Carpenter to make an immediate impact on the offensive line. He has his name on a starting position this season, likely at left tackle.