Former Wisconsin tight end Riley Nowakowski addressed the media on Tuesday as he prepares for Indiana’s College Football Playoff matchup against Alabama on January 1. Nowakowski, who spent five years at Wisconsin from 2020 to 2024 before transferring to Indiana, expressed gratitude for the opportunities presented by his new coaching staff.
When asked if Indiana’s coaches recognized his potential differently than those at Wisconsin, Nowakowski responded affirmatively, stating, “Yeah, definitely. They definitely saw a lot more in me than a lot of other staffs. Personally, I feel like maybe the staff at my old school didn’t see a whole ton in me… (Indiana) told me I was going to be involved in the pass game. That was a big thing for me coming out of Wisconsin.”
Throughout his 2025 season with Indiana, Nowakowski has achieved career highs with 25 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns. His performance stood out particularly during Indiana’s 31-7 victory over Wisconsin on November 15, where he recorded four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Nowakowski’s journey has come full circle since entering the transfer portal on December 10, 2024, and joining the Hoosiers on December 18. Over his five-year tenure at Wisconsin, he accumulated 18 catches for 131 yards and one touchdown across 39 games, with his best season being in 2024 when he had 11 receptions for 74 yards as a captain.
As Nowakowski and Indiana gear up to face the formidable Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, they carry the hope of advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals, showcasing the growth and potential that Nowakowski has realized in his new role.