As Indiana football preps for its College Football Playoff opener Dec. 20 against the University of Notre Dame, the Hoosiers saw a familiar face return to the program.
Fifth-year senior receiver E.J. Williams Jr., who initially left the team with intents to transfer Oct. 22, will return to the program, according to On3 Sports transfer portal reporter Pete Nakos. Williams caught two passes for 49 yards in four games this season.
The announcement comes after Williams said on X he underwent surgery to repair an undisclosed injury and was taking a redshirt to be able to play next season. However, Williams initially said his coach, who he did not name, told him he was quitting on the team and wouldn’t be able to come back to the team.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Williams had a strong finish in the 2023 season, catching 20 passes for 247 yards over the final four contests. He finished the season with 23 grabs for 281 yards.
Indiana’s receiver room is senior-heavy, as Myles Price, Miles Cross and Ke’Shawn Williams are all in the midst of their final collegiate season. The Hoosiers’ leaders in receiving yards and touchdowns, junior Elijah Sarratt and redshirt sophomore Omar Cooper Jr., each have eligibility remaining.
Williams has one season left to play.
Follow reporters Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames) and columnist Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
