Riley Nowakowski News, Rumors, Updates - Indiana Hoosiers | FOX Sports

2026 NFL Draft: Inside the Superpower Driving Fernando Mendoza’s Ascent

Fernando Mendoza seemingly came out of nowhere to become the presumptive No. 1 pick. But actually, it's all gone according to plan.

MARCH 3 • FOX SPORTS

2026 NFL Draft: Inside the Superpower Driving Fernando Mendoza’s Ascent

Indiana's Curt Cignetti cashes in on title run with 8-year extension worth $13.2 million per year

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is cashing in on his first national championship run — even more than initially expected

MARCH 2 • Associated Press

Scores rushing touchdown Nowakowski logged a one-yard rushing touchdown and two receptions for 17 yards during Monday's 27-21 win over Miami (FL).

Impact Indiana pulled a play from Week 2 against Kennesaw State, having Nowakowski attempt a goal-line rush (only his second this season) for a touchdown. Transferring from Wisconsin to Indiana paid dividends for the tight end, whose two rushing touchdown mark half of the four TDs that he logged alongside 32 receptions (on 34 targets) for 387 yards.

JANUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Indiana LB Riley Nowakowski calls Miami 'fast and violent' ahead of national title game | Sporting News The Hoosiers’ run faces big test in South Florida.

JANUARY 17 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Productive on senior day Nowakowski caught all four targets for 65 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 31-7 victory over Wisconsin.

Impact Nowakowski saved the best for last in Indiana's final home game of the season, putting together his best performance of the year. The 6-foot-1 tight end recorded season-high numbers in both receptions and yards on the day while connecting with quarterback Fernando Mendoza on a 21-yard scoring strike in the third quarter, giving the Hoosiers a 24-7 lead at the time. He will hope for one more big outing when the Hoosiers travel to face rival Purdue in the final game of the regular season following the team's upcoming bye.

NOVEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fernando Mendoza throws 4 TDs to lead No. 2 Indiana over Wisconsin 31-7

Fernando Mendoza completed 91.7% of his passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns as No. 2 Indiana took another step toward clinching a spot in its first Big Ten title game and like...

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • Associated Press

Wisconsin vs. No. 2 Indiana Short Highlights!

Wisconsin vs. No. 2 Indiana Short Highlights!

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers Highlights | FOX College Football

Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers Highlights | FOX College Football

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

Fernando Mendoza finds Riley Nowakowski for 21-yard TD, extending Indiana's lead over Wisconsin

Fernando Mendoza finds Riley Nowakowski for 21-yard TD, extending Indiana's lead over Wisconsin

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • FOX SPORTS

Scores in blowout Nowakowski caught their only target for 43 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 63-10 victory versus Illinois.

Impact Nowakowski found the end zone on a 43-yard strike from quarterback Frenando Mendoza in the second quarter, giving Indiana a 28-7 lead at the time and marking Nowakowski's first touchdown as a Hoosier. The 6-foot-1 tight end hasn't been very involved in the Indiana passing attack this season, catching four of six targets for 72 yards and a touchdown along with a rushing score through three games. His next opportunity will come against Iowa on Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Former Wisconsin football tight end scores touchdown for Indiana Hoosiers Former Wisconsin veteran and current Indiana Hoosier Riley Nowakowski made his presence felt in his team's 56-9 win over Kennesaw State on S...

SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 • USATODAY.COM

Mendoza's 4 TD passes power No. 23 Indiana to a 56-9 rout of Kennesaw State

Fernando Mendoza threw for four touchdowns to lead No. 23 Indiana to a 56-9 rout of Kennesaw State

SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 • Associated Press

Indiana Football Incoming Transfer Profile: Riley Nowakowski Curt Cignetti signed a tight end from Wisconsin.

MARCH 5, 2025 • KANSASCITY.COM

Former Wisconsin starting tight end transfers to Indiana Wisconsin transfer tight end commits to Indiana

DECEMBER 19, 2024 • USATODAY.COM

Lands with Indiana Nowakowski has committed to join Indiana for the 2025-26 season, Mike Farrell of MikeFarrellSports.com reports.

Impact Nowakowski will join Indiana after three years with Wisconsin. The senior tight end totaled 11 receptions for 74 yards across 10 appearances this year.

DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Leaving Wisconsin Nowakowski will enter the NCAA transfer portal, per his personal Twitter account.

Impact Nowakowski will depart from Wisconsin following the 2024-25 season. During his time with the Badgers, the 6-foot-1 redshirt senior tight end appeared in 24 games, compiling 18 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Nowakowski will likely seek out a larger opportunity with a new team this offseason.

DECEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Off injury report Nowakowski (undisclosed) is active for Saturday's showdown with USC.

Impact Nowakowski will be available for the Badgers as they face off against the Trojans in Week 5. The 6-foot-1 senior tight end has two catches for 22 yards this season, and he will look to provide some security for Braedyn Locke in his first start of the season.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Inactive against Alabama Nowakowski (undisclosed) did not appear during Saturday's 42-10 loss against the Crimson Tide.

Impact Nowakowski was unable to suit up during Saturday's showdown with Alabama as the result of an undisclosed injury. The 6-foot-1 senior tight end has logged two receptions for 22 yards across two contests, but his 103 snaps at the position led the team through the first two weeks. Nowakowski will have the benefit of a bye week as the Badgers' will look to rebound from a tough outing on Sept. 28, against another formidable opponent in USC.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Warming up Saturday Nowakowski (undisclosed) is warming up ahead of Saturday's game versus Alabama, Colten Bartholomew of the Wisconsin State Journal reports.

Impact Nowakowski was listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's matchup, though it appears that he's trending towards suiting up against the Crimson Tide. The senior tight end has two receptions for 22 yards so far this season.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Saturday Nowakowski (undisclosed) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus Alabama.

Impact Nowakowski is at risk of missing his first game of the season Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. He has played 103 snaps through two games and has caught two passes for 22 yards. While his statistical output has not been great, it would be a big blow for the Badgers if he is not able to suit up.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Wisconsin's Tanner Mordecai throws a five-yard TD pass to Riley Nowakowski to increase the lead against Minnesota

Wisconsin's Tanner Mordecai throws a five-yard TD pass to Riley Nowakowski to increase the lead against Minnesota

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 • FOX SPORTS

Back From Injury Riley Nowakowski Hopes to Aid Wisconsin's Passing Attack The junior tight end is back from injury and hoping to aid Wisconsin's passing attack.

OCTOBER 12, 2023 • 247SPORTS.COM

No. 19 Badgers may have to open the season without center Jake Renfro and tight end Riley Nowakowski No. 19 Wisconsin probably will have to open the season without center Jake Renfro and tight end Riley Nowakowski.

AUGUST 21, 2023 • STARTRIBUNE.COM

Wisconsin might be without starting center, tight end when season opens

Center Jake Renfro and tight end Riley Nowakowski both have been working with first-team offense during camp for No. 19 Wisconsin.

AUGUST 19, 2023 • FOX SPORTS

Wisconsin might be without starting center, tight end when season opens

No. 19 Badgers may have to open the season without center Jake Renfro and tight end Riley Nowakowski

No. 19 Wisconsin probably will have to open the season without center Jake Renfro and tight end Riley Nowakowski

AUGUST 19, 2023 • Associated Press