Former Wisconsin tight end Riley Nowakowski, who entered the transfer portal Dec. 9, committed to Indiana football on Wednesday according to his post on X. After just completing his redshirt senior year, he has one season of eligibility remaining.
Nowakowski spent five seasons at Wisconsin, playing in 40 total games. He played in four games in 2020 –– his redshirt year –– before playing in two in 2021. Over the past three seasons, he saw action in 13, nine and 12 games.
The Milwaukee native began his collegiate career as an outside linebacker for two seasons. In the 2022 season, Nowakowski was listed as a fullback and then a tight end over the past two campaigns.
In 2023, he made seven receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown, including two catches 31 yards against Indiana on Nov. 4. He hauled in 11 passes for 74 yards in 2024.
With Indiana senior tight end Zach Horton out of collegiate eligibility at the conclusion of the Hoosiers’ College Football Playoff run, Nowakowski may slot into Horton’s role. According to Pro Football Focus, Nowakowski was graded as the 21st-best pass blocking tight end in the nation this season.
The 6-foot-1, 243-pound Nowakowski is the seventh transfer portal recruit to commit to the Hoosiers. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti continues to follow his production-over-potential mantra in recruiting players who have produced on the field across multiple seasons.
Follow reporters Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames) and columnist Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
