Indiana University Softball Earns NCAA Tournament Bid in the Knoxville Regional Indiana Softball earned an NCAA Tournament bid for the fourth consecutive season Sunday night as announced on ESPN’s NCAA Softball Tournament Selection Show. The Hoosiers will compete in the NCAA’s Knoxville Regional. The University of Tennessee Knoxville will host the regional at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium from May 15-17. Tennessee is the No. 7 overall national seed in the tournament. Indiana will play against Virginia in their first game of the regional on Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. (ET) on ESPN2. Tennessee and Northern Kentucky will open regional play with a 5:30 p.m. game on SEC Network. The regional round is a four team, double-elimination tournament played over the three days. Indiana enters the postseason with a 42-14 record and reached the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Full Bracket: https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1/2026
Indiana University Baseball Swept at Purdue and Officially Eliminated from the Big Ten Baseball Tournament for the First Time Since 2011 A brief lead in the sixth inning was the lone bright spot in a disappointing end to a weekend sweep at the hands of in-state rival Purdue. The Indiana Baseball team (21-30, 7-20 B1G) dropped an 11-8 contest on Sunday (May 10) afternoon at Alexander Field. With the defeat, IU’s run of 12-straight Big Ten Tournament appearances comes to an end. It was IU that had to come from behind in the weekend finale. Freshman right fielder Owen ten Oever (two-run) and freshman second baseman Landen Fry (three-run) each hit home runs in the sixth inning as the visitors crawled out of an early hole. Fry and sophomore shortstop Cooper Malamazian each had multi-hit efforts in the contest. After using a majority of its bullpen arms in the first two games, Purdue jumped all over the IU pitching staff.
Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Jacob Vogel kept the game tight in the middle innings before coming out of the game in the bottom of the sixth. Gradaute student right-handed pitcher Kaden Jacobi (L, 1-2) would come in and allow the inherited runner, and one of his own, to score as Purdue took the lead back. A three spot in the seventh provided the Boilermakers all the support they would need. A tough weekend comes to a close with IU getting outscored by just six runs in the three losses. It’s the first time that IU has been swept by its rival since the 2011 campaign. The year will come to a conclusion next weekend in the regular season finale against Illinois (May 14-16).
Riley Nowakowski Signs his Rookie Contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers signed fullback Riley Nowakowski, the team’s fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, to a four-year contract. Nowakowski, who played at Indiana, was selected with the 169th overall pick. “Super excited about the young man, just a quality person,” said running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. “His game speaks for itself, the versatility, the ability to play multiple positions. The strain at the line of scrimmage. He’s shown the ability to play in-line as well. Does a great job catching the ball out of the backfield.”
He appeared in 16 games in 2025, finishing with 32 receptions for 387 yards out of the backfield and two touchdowns. He also had two carries, for two yards, both touchdowns. “I’ve been used almost everywhere,” said Nowakowski. “I played fullback, I played inline tight end, did a lot of H-back work too. I’ve done a little bit of everything, and I think that is extremely helpful because I feel comfortable in any position.
“I would say I’m a physical, relentless, just blue collar, gritty guy. I just like to show up to work and get things done. I don’t really like to do anything too special. I’m not big on flair or anything. I probably won’t have any cool touchdown celebrations. But I’m going to go in there and I’m going to give everything I’ve got every day. ” He transferred to Indiana from Wisconsin for his final season, where he had a standout year. “He’s shown on tape that he has an ability to navigate through the backfield,” said Chinyoung. “But the young man plays with grit. At the end of the day, it’s all about will. You’ve got to be willing to go hunt. “He’s done a lot of great things on tape. He’s growing as a backfield blocker. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”
Nowakowski becomes the fourth of eight Hoosiers that were selected in last month’s NFL Draft. He Joins Pat Coogan of the Tennessee Titans, D’Angelo Ponds of the New York Jets and Kaelon Black of the San Francisco 49ers to all sign their rookie contracts. Fernando Mendzoa of the Las Vegas Raiders, Omar Cooper Jr. of the New York Jets, Elijah Sarratt of the Baltimore Ravens and Adien Fisher of the Houston Texas are unsigned.
The Indiana Pacers Lose their NBA Lottery Pick to the Los Angeles Clippers after not landing in the Top Four Indiana had a 52.1% chance to land a top‑four pick entering Sunday’s lottery, a result of finishing 19–63, the worst record in franchise history. But when the ping‑pong balls settled, the Pacers’ pick fell inside the window that would send it to the Los Angeles Clippers. That protection window was created in February, when the Pacers traded Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a protected 2026 first-round pick to the LA Clippers in exchange for center Ivica Zubac and forward Kobe Brown. The 2026 pick was protected 1–4 and 10–30, meaning the Clippers would only receive it if it landed between 5th and 9th. On Sunday, that exact scenario unfolded. The pick came in within that 5–9 band, No. 5 overall to be exact, officially transferring the selection to Los Angeles.
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard shared his immediate reaction via his X account (formerly Twitter). “I’m really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.” Pritchard shared his mindset behind February’s trade, and how taking risks is important when competing for championships. “I never feel like you can slow-play your way to success in this league,” Pritchard told Pacers reporter Tony East. “You have to swing. We wanted the pick, and I know people are going to be disappointed, but you have to remember, our top 7 or 8 players are still with us. Today, it stings but wait until next season. Let’s give this group an opportunity to go compete for a championship because they’ve proven they can do it.”
Pritchard showed disappointment, but he still has the utmost faith in how the Pacers will respond. “We’re an organization that figures it out,” Pritchard said in Pacers reporter Dustin Dopirak’s X post. “I remember a couple years ago when I first started, one of our main players asked for a trade, and everybody thought it was the end of the world, and we came out okay. I know the Twitter verse is probably going to be a little brutal, and I get it, man, I get it. My heart was beating like it was Game Seven, and to those people, I’m sorry. I promise you, at the end of the day, we’re going to be an organization that figures it out, we’re very resourceful.” The NBA’s free agency window opens on June 30th.
Oliver Wheldon earns back-to-back podium finishes on Saturday USF2000 races on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road course Oliver Wheldon rebounded from a last place finish on Friday to earn back-to-back podiums on Saturday in his USF2000 debut on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road course. The 15-year-old driver and son of the late two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon paced the opening practice session on Thursday before going on to earn the pole position during Friday’s qualifying session. It was his first time driving a USF2000 machine as he did not meet the minimum age requirement during the series’ opening round in St. Petersburg in late February.
However, during the Friday race, Wheldon’s debut came to an early end following an early crash. Undeterred, Wheldon came back even stronger on Saturday and finished third for his first podium in just his second USF2000 race. Wheldon finished behind race winner and points leader Sebastian Garzon and runner up Evan Cooley. The third and final USF2000 race came later in the day on Saturday with Wheldon once again starting on the pole. Despite losing the lead to Brad Majman, Wheldon continued to push until the very end of the 15-lap race. Wheldon had a couple of looks on Majman during the final lap, but ultimately Majman was able to hold off Wheldon and secure the victory. The USF2000 Series will return to action later this month, May 21-22, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for the series’ only oval round of the season.
Notre Dame Announces Home Kickoff Times for the 2026 Football Season The only three losses for Notre Dame football over its past 26 games have been under the lights: Ohio State in the 2024 season College Football Playoff title game, Miami on the road in the 2025 opener and Texas A&M in last year’s home opener. That recent history didn’t keep the Irish from scheduling four nighttime kickoffs out of seven designated home games for the 2026 regular season. Starting on Sunday, Sept. 6 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in the Shamrock Series, coach Marcus Freeman’s fifth edition will play at 7:30 p.m. The other night kickoffs will come against Michigan State (Sept. 19), Miami (Nov. 7) and Southern Methodist (Nov. 21). The Irish also set 3:30 p.m. kickoffs for home games against Rice (Sept. 12), Stanford (Oct. 10) and Boston College (Nov. 14). All seven home games are scheduled for NBC and Peacock. This will be the first year without a Peacock-only home game since 2020.
AwfulAnnouncing.com, citing an NBC source, reported the Irish would still appear exclusively on Peacock for one road game this fall. The Sept. 26 game at Purdue appears to fit that bill due to NBC’s relationship with the Big Ten. Notre Dame has claimed Peacock-only home wins over Toledo (2021), UNLV (2022), Central Michigan (2023), Louisville (2024) and N.C. State (2025). Notre Dame has won 15 of its past 18 nighttime games at Notre Dame Stadium, dating to 2017. The only stumbles came against Texas A&M (2025), Ohio State (2023) and Stanford (2022). Single-game tickets go on sale Thursday, June 4.
Indianapolis Colts Sign Six Draft Picks and 12 Undrafted Free Agents The Indianapolis Colts signed six of their draft picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, including linebacker CJ Allen, safety A.J. Haulcy, defensive end George Gumbs Jr., defensive end Caden Curry, running back Seth McGowan and wide receiver Deion Burks. The Colts also signed 12 undrafted free agents, including defensive tackle Cam Ball, safety Austin Brown, linebacker Tahj Chambers, wide receiver Sahmir Hagans, wide receiver E.J. Horton Jr., defensive end Mitchell Melton, running back Lincoln Pare, tackle Nolan Rucci, wide receiver Raylen Sharpe, center Geno VanDeMark, running back Jordon Vaughn and linebacker West Weeks.
Allen, 6-1, 233 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He played in 41 career games (30 starts) at Georgia (2023-25) and totaled 205 tackles (117 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2025, Allen started 13 games and compiled 88 tackles (47 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He garnered First Team All-America honors and was a First Team All-SEC choice.
Haulcy, 6-0, 215 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the third round (78th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He saw action in 48 career games (44 starts) at LSU (2025), Houston (2023-24) and New Mexico (2022) and totaled 347 tackles (203 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 19 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. As a senior, Haulcy appeared in all 12 games (11 starts) and registered 88 tackles (49 solo), half a tackle for loss, four passes defensed, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He was a First Team All-SEC choice. His last name is pronounced HALL-see.
Gumbs Jr., 6-4, 245 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He saw action in 46 career games (19 starts) as a defensive end and tight end in his time at Florida (2024-25) and Northern Illinois (2021-23). Gumbs Jr. registered 99 tackles (49 solo), 21.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two passes defensed, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also totaled four receptions for 44 yards (11.0 avg.). In 2025, Gumbs Jr. started nine games and compiled 31 tackles (14 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Curry, 6-3, 260 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the sixth round (214th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He appeared in 55 career games (14 starts) at Ohio State (2022-25) and registered 107 tackles (69 solo), 24.0 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one blocked kick and one blocked punt. In 2025, Curry started 14 games and registered 66 tackles (40 solo), 16.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble. He garnered Second Team All-Big Ten honors. A native of Greenwood, Ind., Curry played at Center Grove High School. His first name is pronounced KAY-den.
McGowan, 6-0, 223 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the seventh round (237th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He saw action in 37 career games (21 starts) at Kentucky (2025), New Mexico State (2024), Butler Community College (2023) and Oklahoma (2020) and totaled 414 carries for 2,043 yards (4.9 avg.) and 22 touchdowns as well as 60 receptions for 708 yards (11.8 avg.) and four touchdowns. In 2025, McGowan saw action in 11 games (10 starts) and compiled 165 carries for 725 yards (4.4 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. He also registered 19 receptions for 126 yards (6.6 avg.). McGowan was named a Second Team All-CUSA choice in 2024.
Burks, 5-10, 180 pounds, was selected by Indianapolis in the seventh round (254th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He played in 48 career games (31 starts) at Oklahoma (2024-25) and Purdue (2021-23) and totaled 151 receptions for 1,669 yards (11.1 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. Burks also contributed 18 carries for 52 yards (2.8 avg.). In 2025, he started 13 games and compiled 57 receptions for 620 yards (10.9 avg.) and four touchdowns. His first name is pronounced DEE-on.
Ball, 6-4, 310 pounds, played in 50 career games (31 starts) at Arkansas (2021-25) and compiled 138 tackles (52 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2025, he started 11 games as a team captain and finished with 27 tackles (14 solo) and 4.5 tackles for loss. Ball was named to the 2025 AFCA Good Works Team and was on the 2024 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Brown, 6-0, 199 pounds, played in 50 career games (24 starts) at Wisconsin (2022-25) and totaled 142 tackles (93 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, eight passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 2025, he started all 12 games and registered 53 tackles (35 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss and three passes defensed. Brown was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten choice (2023-25). He was named CSC Academic All-District in 2025.
Chambers, 6-2, 231 pounds, saw action in 15 games in one season at Mississippi (2025) and tallied 45 tackles (27 solo), half a tackle for loss and three passes defensed. Prior to Mississippi, he appeared in 43 games (28 starts) at Missouri State (2020-24) and compiled 196 tackles (99 solo), 17.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, eight passed defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Chambers was named a Second Team All-MVFC choice in 2024. He made the MVFC Honor Roll in 2022 and 2024 and was selected to the Missouri State AD’s Honor Roll in Fall 2022 and Fall 2024.
Hagans, 5-11, 188 pounds, played in 57 career games at Duke (2021-25) and totaled 152 receptions for 1,586 yards (10.4 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. He also recorded 24 kickoff returns for 756 yards (31.5 avg.) and two touchdowns. Hagans also compiled five punt returns for 153 yards (30.6 avg.) and one touchdown. In 2025, he started all 14 games and caught 43 passes for 508 yards (11.8 avg.) and six touchdowns. Hagans also tallied 14 kickoff returns for 467 yards (33.4 avg.) and one touchdown. He was a Second Team All-ACC selection as a return specialist in 2025 and was named to the 2022 ACC All-Academic Team. His first name is pronounced SAH-meer.
Horton Jr., 6-0, 183 pounds, appeared in 41 career games (15 starts) at Purdue (2025), FAU (2024), West Virginia (2023) and Marshall (2020-22) and totaled 53 receptions for 735 yards (13.9 avg.) and four touchdowns. He also registered six carries for 45 yards (7.5 avg.). In 2025, Horton Jr. saw action in 11 games (eight starts) and registered 27 receptions for 289 yards (10.7 avg.) and one touchdown. He also had two carries for 22 yards (11.0 avg.).
Melton, 6-3, 253 pounds, saw action in 36 career games (14 starts) at Virginia (2025) and Ohio State (2020-24) and compiled 60 tackles (27 solo), 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, four passes defensed, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2025, he started all 14 games and totaled 45 tackles (18 solo), 10.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, four passes defensed, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Melton garnered Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition in 2025.
Pare, 5-8, 190 pounds, saw action in 38 games (20 starts) at Texas State (2022-25) and compiled 477 carries for 2,454 yards (5.1 avg.) and 25 touchdowns. He also caught 78 passes for 655 yards (8.4 avg.) and three touchdowns. In 2025, Pare started all 13 games and registered 210 carries for 1,128 yards (5.4 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. He also totaled 37 receptions for 312 yards (8.4 avg.) and two touchdowns en route to Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Prior to Texas State, Pare played in 21 games (six starts) at Arkansas State (2020-21) and had 179 carries for 905 yards (5.1 avg.) and two touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 368 yards (9.4 avg.) and four touchdowns. His last name is pronounced Pair-ee.
Rucci, 6-8, 314 pounds, played in 34 career games (18 starts) at Penn State (2024-25) and Wisconsin (2021-23). He registered starts at right tackle (17) and left tackle (one) for the Nittany Lions. In 2025, Rucci started all 12 games he played in at right tackle (11) and left tackle (one). He was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten choice. His last name is pronounced Rew-chee.
Sharpe, 5-9, 173 pounds, appeared in 45 career games (19 starts) at Arkansas (2025), Fresno State (2024), Missouri State (2022-23) and Houston (2021) and totaled 181 receptions for 2,413 yards (13.3 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. He also registered 12 carries for 122 yards (10.2 avg.) and threw a touchdown. In 2025, Sharpe played in all 12 games (three starts) and had 41 receptions for 592 yards (14.4 avg.) and three touchdowns. He also tallied six carries for 54 yards (9.0 avg.). Sharpe garnered Honorable Mention All-Mountain West recognition (2024) and was a First Team All-MVFC selection (2023). He was also a member of the track and field team at Houston.
VanDeMark, 6-4, 314 pounds, played in 27 games (11 starts) at Alabama (2024-25) and registered starts at right guard (seven), left guard (three) and center (one). In 2025, he appeared in 14 games and recorded starts at right guard (six), left guard (two) and center (one). Prior to Alabama, VanDeMark saw action in 18 games (eight starts) at Michigan State (2021-23). His last name is pronounced VAN-duh-mark.
Vaughn, 6-3, 228 pounds, saw action in 30 games at Abilene Christian (2023-25) and totaled 179 carries for 1,018 yards (5.7 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 118 yards (6.9 avg.). In 2025, Vaughn appeared in all 14 games and finished with 114 carries for 671 yards (5.9 avg.) and eight touchdowns. He also registered 11 receptions for 72 yards (6.5 avg.). Prior to Abilene Christian, Vaughn spent two seasons at Wyoming (2021-22). He played in one game and had 16 carries for 67 yards (4.2 avg.) and two touchdowns.
Weeks, 6-2, 230 pounds, played in 54 career games (12 starts) at LSU (2022-25) and Virginia (2021) and registered 164 tackles (63 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, six passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 2025, he started all 11 games he appeared in and compiled 74 tackles (27 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one pass defensed.