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Indiana Secures Commitment from Wisconsin Transfer Tight End Riley Nowakowski

2024-12-19

In a significant development for the Indiana Hoosiers, they landed a commitment from Wisconsin transfer tight end Riley Nowakowski on Wednesday. This acquisition is set to have a notable impact on the team's offensive capabilities. Nowakowski, a 6-foot-1 and 243-pound athlete, brings with him a wealth of experience and potential. His past seasons with the Badgers have shown his skills and determination. In the 2024 season alone, he caught a career-high 11 passes for 74 yards in 12 games. According to PFF, he was targeted 13 times with no drops, playing a total of 410 snaps. Remarkably, only two Wisconsin players with similar snap counts had a higher pass blocking grade. He demonstrated exceptional prowess in pass blocking, not allowing any pressures in 28 snaps and ranking eighth best among tight ends with 250 snaps. However, his run blocking did not receive high grades at PFF. Just like other Wisconsin players who have joined the IU program, Nowakowski shared a common time in Madison with IU offensive line coach Bob Bostad. Their time overlapped from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, he played in nine games, making one start at tight end. He had seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. His first career catch came against Illinois, followed by two catches for 31 yards at Indiana and two catches, including a five-yard touchdown, at Minnesota. In 2022, he played on special teams in 13 games and made three tackles. In 2021, he saw action in just 2 games, against Northwestern and in the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State, which ended up being a redshirt season. Even in the 2020 season that didn't count against eligibility, he played in four games. Nowakowski has been Academic All-Big Ten each of the last four years, showcasing his academic excellence along with his athletic prowess. With one year of eligibility remaining, Nowakowski will be a valuable asset for the Hoosiers. The Hoosiers and Nowakowski will host Wisconsin next season on Nov. 15. Indiana will lose starting tight end Zach Horton to eligibility after the 2024 season, but they have other eligible players like James Bomba, Brody Kosin, Brody Foley, and Sam West ready to contribute.

Indiana's New Tight End Brings Experience and Promise

Nowakowski's 2024 Season with Wisconsin

Riley Nowakowski had an impressive 2024 season with the Wisconsin Badgers. He caught a career-high 11 passes, amassing 74 yards in just 12 games. This performance showcases his ability to make key catches and contribute to the team's offense. His targeted 13 times with no drops indicates his reliability as a receiver. The fact that he played 410 snaps throughout the season also highlights his durability on the field.

Among Wisconsin players with similar snap counts, only two had a higher pass blocking grade. This speaks volumes about Nowakowski's skills in this aspect. His ability to not allow any pressures in 28 pass blocking snaps is a testament to his focus and technique. Additionally, his ranking eighth best among tight ends with 250 snaps further emphasizes his value in pass protection.

Nowakowski's Time at Indiana

Since joining the Indiana program, Nowakowski has continued to make an impact. In 2023, he played in nine games and made one start at tight end. His seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown demonstrate his ability to contribute in crucial situations. His first career catch against Illinois was a significant moment, and his subsequent performances at Indiana and Minnesota further solidified his place in the team.

His time at Indiana has also seen him develop under the guidance of offensive line coach Bob Bostad. Their shared time in Madison from 2020 to 2022 has likely contributed to Nowakowski's growth as a player. His academic achievements, being Academic All-Big Ten each of the last four years, add another dimension to his character.

Looking Ahead

With one year of eligibility remaining, Nowakowski is set to be a key player for the Indiana Hoosiers. The upcoming season against Wisconsin on Nov. 15 will be an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his skills. Indiana will also have to manage the loss of starting tight end Zach Horton after the 2024 season, but they have a talented group of eligible players like James Bomba, Brody Kosin, Brody Foley, and Sam West ready to step up.

The addition of Nowakowski brings depth and experience to the tight end position. His skills in pass blocking and receiving make him a versatile asset for the team. As the Hoosiers prepare for the future, Nowakowski will play a crucial role in their offensive plans.