Indiana University Men’s Soccer earns National Seed, hosts NCAA Tournament Sunday It’s tournament time, and Indiana men’s soccer has earned a national seed for the 24th time in program history – extending its NCAA record. The No. 14-seeded Hoosiers received a first-round bye and will host its first match of the NCAA Tournament Sunday (Nov. 25) on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The NCAA announced the 48-team tournament field during its selection show Monday. First round action will kick off Thursday. The tournament will finish in the NCAA College Cup, set to return to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, December 13-16. Indiana will host the winner of Thursday’s first round match between Princeton and host Akron on Sunday. Sunday’s kickoff time is set for 1 PM.
IU is one of 16 programs to receive a national seed, its 10th in 11 seasons. 1995-1996, when four teams received seeds, was the last two-year period in which the Hoosiers did not earn a seed. Despite a 2-3-4 start to the season, Indiana captured its second straight Big Ten regular season title – sharing with Ohio State – thanks to a 10-game unbeaten run. The Hoosiers recorded 32 goals in that 10-game stretch, scoring multiple goals in each match – the program’s longest multi-goal stretch since 1997. Indiana has won eight national championships, the nation’s most since the program’s inception in 1973. IU also owns NCAA records for consecutive tournament appearances (38), tournament victories (104), and appearances in the round of 16 (42), quarterfinal (29), final four (22) and title match (17).
Byron Baldwin Recommits to Indiana University Football for 2025 For the second day in a row, Indiana has a new highest rated recruit in its 2025 class. Baltimore, Md. defensive back Byron Baldwin of Calvert Hall H.S. has committed once again to Indiana. He originally committed to IU in April and then backed off that pledge in early October. Baldwin initially pledged to Indiana over Minnesota, Kentucky and others. He was and once again is the top-ranked player in IU’s 2025 class after making a major move up the rankings over the last year. The 6-foot-1 and 180-pound Baldwin is the No. 166 overall player in the 2025 class, the No. 13 safety, and the No. 4 player in Maryland according to the On3 Industry Average. After decommitting from IU, Baldwin came back to Bloomington for multiple gameday visits as the Hoosiers progressed to 10-0, including Saturday’s win over Michigan. He told On3 those visits reconfirmed Indiana was the right choice.
Indiana held off an aggressive pursuit by Colorado after Baldwin reopened his recruitment. There were predictions by national outlets Baldwin would end up at Colorado. The Baldwin news comes a day after Indianapolis-based edge rusher Tyrone Burrus, Jr. flipped from Louisville to IU. Indiana’s 2025 class is ranked 47th overall, and No. 13 in the Big Ten after the Baldwin commitment. Baldwin is the 22nd commit in IU’s 2025 class.
Indiana University Volleyball announces nationally ranked trio for its 2025 Signing Class Behind a strong three-year run of form on the court, Indiana head volleyball coach Steve Aird added an outstanding trio of talented players on National Signing Day (Nov. 13). The Hoosiers will add an additional player at a later date as part of an exceptional four-player freshman class. “I am proud of our program and staff for recruiting what we believe to be one of the best classes in the country,” Aird said. “It is class built on the shoulders of some great players and so many people that have worked hard to steadily build this program.” IU’s initial wave of signees features a pair of dynamic, nationally ranked outside hitters and a middle blocker who continues to shoot up the recruiting rankings. The Hoosiers will need to replace seven seniors from this year’s roster and will greatly benefit from the addition of next year’s freshmen.
Charlotte Vinson, a 6-2 outside hitter from Yorktown, Ind., comes to Bloomington as the highest-ranked recruit in program history. The No. 15 overall recruit by Prep Volleyball, Vinson overcame a life-threatening illness in the spring and continues to showcase her strength as a person and player. She recovered in time to contribute to her high school program, leading the Yorktown Tigers to the IHSAA 4A State Title game. Vinson racked up over 1,900 kills in her career including a state-leading 759 kills as a junior in 2023. She also recorded 199 aces, 968 digs and 134 blocks. During her four years with the varsity program, she led Yorktown to a 123-16 record and multiple runners-up finishes in the state’s highest class. She is a finalist for the Max Preps National Player of the Year and was a 2023 All-American by both Max Preps and Volleyball Magazine. She plays her club volleyball with Munciana and was teammates with current Hoosiers Ramsey Gary and Ava Vickers in 2023. In IU program history, Vinson is the third top 35 overall recruit to sign with the Hoosiers. She joins Ashley Benson (2007 – No. 17) and Tommi Stockham (2020 – No. 32) as one of the top three highest ranked recruits in school history. If she remains in the top 16 of the Prep Volleyball rankings, she will come to town as the top-ranked signing in IU history.
Jaidyn Jager, a 6-1 outside hitter from Carlsbad, Calif., forms the other half of an exciting duo of attacking options for next year’s roster. The No. 40 overall recruit by Prep Volleyball played at La Costa Canyon under current IU associate head coach Rachel Morris. She was teammates with IU opposite hitter Avry Tatum Avry Tatum in 2021. Jager plays her club volleyball for Coast Volleyball Club, one of the top programs in the entire country. Last season, she played up an age group with the 18’s and helped lead her team to multiple club tournament titles. In 2021 at La Costa Canyon, Jager and Tatum combined for 694 kills as the Mavericks powered their way to a 30-13 season. For the first time in program history, IU has signed a pair of top 40 recruits. Vinson and Jager will be tasked with replacing the production of veterans Mady Saris and Morgan Geddes. With the return of Tatum and outside hitter Candela Alonso Corcelles IU will have a prolific set of pin attackers to choose from next season.
Victoria Gray, a 6-2 middle blocker from Bedford, Mich., has shot up the recruiting rankings over the past two years. Originally a basketball player, Gray has transformed into a premier volleyball recruit. She’s been used in a number of positions growing up but is expected to settle in the middle at the collegiate level. As of the last release of recruiting rankings by Prep Volleyball, she was the No. 115 overall recruit. She has recorded over 1,000 kills at a .411 hitting percentage in her high school career. She is a finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball after putting up 4.00 kills per set as a senior. She added over 400 blocks and 100 aces for Bedford High School. At the time of this announcement, Gray led her team to a Regional Title in Michigan. When all is said and done, the Hoosiers are expected to sign a program record class. IU’s 2020 recruiting class – which featured alumni Savannah Kjolhede and Grae Gosnell was ranked No. 15 by Prep Volleyball and was the highest ranked class in school history at the time. With a pair of top 40 recruits in 2025, IU’s signing class is expected to pass that mark.
Charlotte Vinson • 6-2 • Outside Hitter • Yorktown, Ind./Yorktown (Munciana)
• No. 15 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball, No. 8 Outside Hitter (Sept. 2024)
• No. 21 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig, No. 11 Outside Hitter (Oct. 2024)
• Career Stats: 1,940 kills, 968 digs, 199 aces, 134 blocks
• Yorktown Career Kills Leader (1,940)
• 2024, 2022 IHSAA 4A State Finalist
• 2024 Finalist for IHSVCA Miss Volleyball
• 2024 Finalist for Max Preps National Player of the Year
• 2023 Volleyball Magazine Honorable Mention High School All-American
• 2023 Max Preps First Team High School All-American
• 2023, 2024 IHSVCA First Team All-State
• 2023, 2024 18U Open National Champions (Munciana)
• 2023 State Leader in Kills (759)
• Overcame Toxic Shock Syndrome – was on life support in May of 2024
Vinson – Why IU: “I chose IU because of the hunger and drive of the players and coaches to be great. Everyone here wants to succeed. The culture and environment here will push me to be my best.” Aird on Vinson: “Charlotte’s story is nothing short of a miracle. Her and her family are very near and dear to everyone in our program and sharing some thoughts on her joining our program is an emotional thing to do. This is a special young woman, and it will be an honor to coach her. She obviously has a tremendous perspective on life and that will be so important for the entire program. As a volleyball player, she has greatness in her. I believe she can become one of the better players in the country and her drive and commitment to chasing great are unmatched. She recovered to have a fantastic high school season. She will be a dominant player this club season and will be chomping at the bit next August. She can score from all over the court, can pass, defend and is not afraid to take the big swing. I am so proud of her and can’t wait until she gets to campus.”
Jaidyn Jager • 6-1 • Outside Hitter • Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon (Coast)
• No. 40 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball (Sept. 2024)
• Stopped Playing High School Volleyball after Sophomore Season – Focused on Club
• 2024 18U Elite Triple Crown Champions – Coast Volleyball
• 2021 All-Coastal League Player of the Year
• 2021 Prep Volleyball Second Team All-American
• 2021 All-CIF Girls Volleyball First Team
Jager – Why IU: “Choosing which college I wanted to go to was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. But Indiana made it easy. Being that far away from home made me a little nervous. Family is so important to me, and I felt that from the moment I stepped on campus.” Aird on Jager: “Jaidyn is a phenomenal six-rotation outside hitter that is among the best players in this class. She has control of every skill and competes with a confidence and poise well beyond her years. She has high end skill and has played up in age for several years, finding success at every stage of her career. She competes with a steady energy and can impact a match in so many ways. Her ability to score will be crucial but her ball control, defense, serving, and volleyball IQ are all elite. She will contribute from her first day on campus and we could not be more excited to get her to Bloomington and get rolling.”
Victoria Gray • 6-2 • Middle Blocker • Temperance, Mich./Bedford (Michigan Elite)
• No. 115 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball (Sept. 2024)
• No. 100 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Oct. 2024)
• 2024 Finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball
• MHSAA All-State Volleyball and Basketball Selection
• Michigan Monroe County Player of the Year in Volleyball and Basketball
• Career Stats: 1,112 kills, .411 hitting percentage, 102 aces, 423 blocks, 660 digs
Gray – Why IU: “Choosing Indiana wasn’t a question at all. When I stepped into Bloomington, it was like my decision was already made. I couldn’t be happier to be a Hoosier.” Aird on Gray: “Victoria is an elite, multi-sport athlete that fell in love with volleyball, and for good reason. She is a tough competitor and has developed a skill set that will translate very well in the Big Ten. She jumps and moves laterally with ease and has a great feel for blocking the ball. Offensively she has a great motor and works hard to be available. Her personality is infectious and her compete level is through the roof. I am certain she will compete like crazy from her first day on campus and she will develop quickly. People like Vic often do well at everything in life. She is not afraid to grind and work. She is an important part of this program’s future, and I know our entire ecosystem will love who she is both on and off the court.”
Four Indiana Small College Football Teams make their respective postseasons Four Indiana small college football teams will have a chance to play for a championship in NCAA Division II, III and the NAIA postseason tournaments. Those teams are UIndy, DePauw, Indiana Wesleyan and Saint Francis. Following their 42-21 win over Wabash in the 130th Monon Bell game, DePauw won the North Coast Athletic Conference title with a 10-0 record and earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III football playoffs. The Tigers will have a first-round bye in the tournament and will play the winner between Maryville (TN) and Berry College on Nov. 30 at noon. A 10-1 season for the UIndy Greyhounds included an 8-0 conference record and the Great Lakes Valley championship. While the Greyhounds extend their season in Division II football, they won’t have a first-round bye. They’ll play second-seeded Grand Valley State on Nov. 23 at 1 p.m.
In the NAIA, two Indiana teams will see the postseason. Despite a heartbreaking loss to Olivet Nazarene to end the regular season, the Saint Francis Cougars made the NAIA playoffs and will play at Southwestern College in Kansas in the first round on Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Indiana Wesleyan gets a first-round bye in the NAIA playoffs following a 10-1 record (with the only loss coming to NCAA Division I Valparaiso) and the MSFA Mideast League conference championship. Marian is on the outside looking in. Despite finishing ahead of Saint Francis in the conference, the Knights did not make the NAIA postseason bracket. An Oct. 26 loss to USF likely sealed the Knights’ fate.
Anthony Richardson leads the Indianapolis Colts to a one-point win over the New York Jets It was as close to a must-win as you could get in the Meadowlands on Sunday afternoon, and the Colts (more specifically Anthony Richardson) answered the bell. After a tumultuous past month surrounding the quarterback situation for Indianapolis, the Colts came into the day on Sunday having lost three straight games. Richardson was deemed the starting quarterback earlier in the week after being benched for the previous two weeks. Michael Pittman Jr. was active in this game, while Colts starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann was inactive. Indianapolis started three rookie offensive lineman in place of the injured Raimann, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries.
The first quarter was relatively quiet, although Richardson started the game 5-6 through the air for 88 yards. Matt Gay nailed a 41-yard field goal, the Colts defense forced two three-and-outs, and Indy took a 3-0 lead into the second quarter. One element of Richardson’s game that is so valuable is his running ability. After converting a huge third down courtesy of a 33-yard connection to AD Mitchell, Richardson kept it himself for a two-yard touchdown to give the Colts a 10-0 lead over New York at the beginning of the second quarter. Gay continued to be clutch for the Colts as he nailed a 47-yard field goal in that second frame to make it a 13-0 lead for Indianapolis. As aforementioned, this Colts defense was playing lights out in the first half. In fact, the Jets did not get a first down until under two minutes to play in the first half. However, it was a seven-play, 76-yard drive in just 97 seconds that saw New York break through. Aaron Rodgers hit Breece Hall for a 29-yard touchdown, and the Colts went into the half time break on top 13-7.
The Colts had the ball first out of the break yet turned it over almost immediately. Pressure broke through to sack Richardson, he fumbled, and the Jets recovered just outside the redzone to begin the second half of play. New York capitalized just two plays later courtesy of a Hall 18-yard touchdown scamper as the Jets took a 14-13 lead. These two teams traded field goals as Gay nailed a 56-yarder followed by a not-to-be-outdone Anders Carlson’s 58-yarder. That brought the score to 17-16 in favor of the Jets heading into the fourth quarter. New York extended its lead early in the final frame as Rodgers hit Kenny Yeboah for an 11-yard touchdown (Yeboah’s first career touchdown) putting the Jets on top 24-16. Richardson continued to convert on critical third downs as he proceeded to lead the Colts on an 8-play 70-yard touchdown drive culminating in a 10-yard connection with Josh Downs. The following two-point conversion to tie was unsuccessful as a Richardson pass tipped just off the outstretched fingertips of tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Indy trailed 24-22 with ten minutes remaining. After a time-consuming and lengthy drive by the Jets, the Colts stood tall and held them to just a field goal attempt. Carlson’s 35-yard try was good, and New York led 27-22 with just under three minutes to play.
When the Colts needed a game-winning drive, Anthony Richardson and this offense delivered. A 39-yard connection between AR and Alec Pierce followed by a 17-yard hookup with Josh Downs really put the Colts in business. A couple plays later, Richardson pushed his way across the goal line for a four-yard touchdown with just 46 seconds remaining. Jonathan Taylor two-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving the Colts clinging to a 28-27 lead. A Kwity Paye sack sealed it down the stretch, and the Colts came up with a massive 28-27 victory over the Jets snapping a three-game losing streak. “Great, great team win,” head coach Shane Steichen said postgame. “Obviously, these games come down to the wire a lot of times, but the results of our group were phenomenal there. Great drive at the end by Anthony [Richardson] and the rest of our guys to go down and score. The way he played, the way he battled today was phenomenal. We have to keep him rolling.”
“Definitely a lot of excitement. We’re definitely excited to get the victory, but we’re trying to stack them up, honestly,” Richardson said after the game. “Of course we’re going to celebrate it, but we try not to focus on them too, too much, because there’s another team coming to Indy this coming week to try and stop us and put us down. So, of course we’re all excited, but we know we’ve got more work to do.” Anthony Richardson set a career high with 272 passing yards on 20-30 throwing the football for one touchdown. He also ran the ball 10 times for 32 yards and two more touchdowns. Richardson also set a single-game career high with a 106.5 passer rating. “He was great. Composure was phenomenal,” Steichen said of Richardson’s performance. “I think it’s excitement more than anything. I mean the guy we know how talented he is. He put in great work this week, got to continue that because we know what type of player he can be. He’s putting in the work and progressing in that way and he was ready to roll today.”
“It felt good. Today, I was taking it one play at a time. I wasn’t even thinking about the past two weeks. I’m just thinking about where I am now,” a relaxed Richardson said. “I just hope my teammates see that I’m willing to do anything for them. I’m willing to put my body on the line to go sacrifice anything on the field for them. But I definitely appreciate them for just trusting me and believing in me throughout the whole process, regardless of what we had going on. Shoutout to coach, I just appreciate all of the support.” “I felt like I was in a rhythm all day, honestly.” Richardson continued. “I had a great week of preparation this week. It just translated into today. I trusted my receivers to get open, o-line protected me enough for me to do that with the ball, but I felt like I was in a rhythm all day.” Josh Downs finished the game leading the Colts in receiving with five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 24 times for 57 yards. Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu powered the Colts to three sacks on the defensive side of the ball with two sacks and one sack respectively. Matt Gay was a perfect 3-3 on field goals including a long of 56-yards. Steichen says this is a performance that can turn the tides for the Colts. “I think sometimes you go through stretches like we did and lost three in a row, and you get a big one like we did today and that can spark things,” Steichen concluded. “Sometimes it just takes one to get it going. We know we have a huge one coming up against Detroit at our place, so we have to put in the preparation like we did this week, be ready to go for that.” The Colts improve to 5-6 on the season—right in the thick of the AFC potential playoff picture and certainly still in the hunt. Indianapolis welcomes the Detroit Lions to town next Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Ball State University Football dismisses Head Coach Mike Neu Ball State University has announced Saturday a change in football leadership, with Mike Neu ending his nine-year term as the Cardinals’ head coach, following a 3-7 start to the 2024 season. Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell also announced that offensive line coach Colin Johnson will serve as interim head coach for Ball State’s two remaining contests this season, including next Saturday’s final home game against Bowling Green. Johnson, like Neu, is a Ball State football alum. A national search for the next Ball State head football coach will begin immediately. “Coach Neu has poured his heart into the Ball State football program,” said Mitchell. “I commend him for his professionalism and the positive team culture he has constructed. His efforts have greatly impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. He has represented the Ball State brand with integrity and class, and I wish him well in future pursuits.”
Neu, with one year left on a contract that was extended following a bowl season in 2021, guided the Cardinals to wins this season over Missouri State, Kent State and Northern Illinois. He leaves Ball State with a career record of 40-63. A decorated quarterback at Ball State from 1990-93, Neu boasts 158 games of Ball State football history under his belt as head coach (103), graduate assistant (11) and player (44). He quarterbacked the Cardinals’ MAC championship and Las Vegas Bowl team in 1993 and was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. He was appointed to lead the Cardinals’ football program in 2016 following two seasons as quarterbacks coach of the New Orleans Saints, and his leadership sparked a resurgence that led his alma mater to a 2020 MAC title, an Arizona Bowl victory and a No. 23 national ranking to cap his fifth season. The Cardinals earned a bid to the Camellia Bowl in 2021, but the past three years under Neu have produced a 12-21 ledger. His lone winning season was a 7-1 campaign in 2020.