Indiana University Women’s Volleyball Takes Down #12 and Defending National Champion Texas A&M There is nothing easy about a win over the defending national champions. The second game in a back-to-back against SEC opponents, a near 20-minute delay during the middle of the match and a grueling five-set contest. None of it mattered to the 21st-ranked Indiana volleyball team (2-1, 0-0 B1G) as it took down No. 12 Texas A&M (26-24, 26-28, 25-23, 17-25, 15-9) on Wednesday evening at Mackey Arena. The win over the Aggies completed a perfect trip through the Allstate Big Ten/SEC challenge and earned IU its highest-ranked non-conference victory (No. 12) in program history. It is the seventh win over a top-12 AVCA opponent in school history and the 10th ranked win during head coach Steve Aird’s tenure.
Third-year opposite hitter Ella Boersema exploded for a career-high 21 kills, topping her previous high for the second night in a row. She hit .471 (21-5-34) on the night and added six blocks and three digs in the win. Second-year outside hitter Jaidyn Jager provided 17 kills while second-year setter Teodora Krickovic added seven kills of her own. Contributions from up and down the bench made the difference in Wednesday’s victory. Third-year defensive specialist Emma Segal provided three important aces while third-year setter Sade Ilawole went on a big service run of her own. Three different players had 10-or-more digs, helping the Hoosiers to an advantage (59-48) in the category. It will be a brief period of rest before IU returns to the court this weekend to try and finish off a 3-0 week against SEC opposition. The Hoosiers will play in the Bridgestone Block Party against No. 22 Tennessee at 3 p.m. (ESPN2) on Sunday afternoon in Nashville.
Great defensive coverage was a big deciding factor in Wednesday’s victory. On top of that, the Hoosiers provided more digs (59-48) by a serious margin. Second-year libero Hannah Leftridge led the way with 16 while four other players had at least five. IU was out blocked (15.0-12.0) but had big stuffs in game five to seal the win. Service pressure from third-year defensive specialist Emma Segal and third-year setter Sade Ilawole turned the tides in favor of IU late in the contest. Segal had three aces on 16 attempts from the end line but kept Texas A&M behind the 10-foot line for the better half of the fifth set.
The win over No. 12 Texas A&M was the highest-ranked non-conference win in program history, surpassing a five-set win over No. 15 Kentucky back in 2019. Both of those wins are among head coach Steve Aird’s tally during his time in Bloomington. The victory over the Aggies was his 10th ranked win on the IU bench. The win was the seventh-highest ranked victory in program history and the biggest since a five-set win over No. 5 Ohio State in 2022. It is the second-straight year (W, 3-0 – at Penn State, 2025) that the team has beaten the defending national champions.
AVCA Top-12 Ranked Wins in Program History
– vs. No. 12 Texas A&M (W, 3-2 – Sept. 2, 2026)
– at No. 5 Ohio State (W, 3-2 – Nov. 20, 2022)
– at No. 10 Michigan State (W, 3-2 – Oct. 26, 2013)
– vs. No. 10 Illinois IW, 3-1 – Nov. 26, 2010)
– vs. No. 4 Penn State (W, 3-1 – Oct. 9, 2010)
– vs. No. 11 Ohio State (W, 3-1 – Sept. 25, 2002)
– vs. No. 6 Ohio State (W, 3-2 – Sept. 24, 1994)
Third-year opposite hitter Ella Boersema recorded a career high 21 kills while hitting .471 on 34 attempts. It’s the second time in the last two years that an IU player (Jaidyn Jager vs. SEMO – Sept. 4, 2025) has recorded 20-or-more kills on fewer than 40 swings while hitting .470 or better. Boersema averaged 3.67 kills per set in wins over Georgia and Texas A&M while hitting .538 in the victories. She added six blocks, seven digs, an ace and an assist to help the Hoosiers to some resume-boosting win. Coming into the weekend, she had just three career matches with more than eight kills. IU’s five-set win over Texas A&M is the third-straight victory in such matches for the Hoosiers. Aird’s group also knocked off Miami (Fla.) (Aug. 29, 2025) and Iowa (Nov. 7, 2025) over the last two years in games that went the distance. The Hoosiers are now 22-23 in five-set matches during Aird’s tenure.
Go IU Mobile App Update Available to Kick Off 2026-27 Athletic Season Indiana University Athletics and SIDEARM Sports, the industry-leading digital platform provider in college athletics, are rolling out a new-look Go IU mobile app, now available on Apple and Android devices. With new content modules and an updated design, the refreshed Go IU mobile app will elevate the engagement between Hoosier fans and their favorite teams and players through a modern, flexible and streamlined user experience. The following updates to the Go IU mobile app provide fans enhanced access to the latest news, videos, photo galleries and promotions, highlighting the content that matters most all in the palm of their hand.
An easier path to discovering the latest content- Fans can quickly find live/upcoming games and storytelling content without deep searches, making it simple to engage with what matters most. More ways to engage- Fans have multiple ways to discover content through modular sections, making it easy and fun to explore the app. Stay in touch and up-to-date with events and offerings- Featured offerings and experiences will now be easily discoverable, with high-visibility promotional content fans can join in on their favorite team’s most memorable moments.
In addition to the new look and experience, the Go IU mobile app will continue to be a one-stop shop for fans to view rosters, schedules and content for all 24 Indiana University Athletic teams, access their ticket account, display stats and broadcasts and shop the IU Team Store. The free Go IU mobile app is available via the Apple App Store and Google Play. Fans who already have the Go IU mobile app downloaded to their mobile device will be able to install the new update now.
Gaetano Console Signs with Indiana University Wrestling Indiana Wrestling head coach Angel Escobedo announced the signing of Gaetano Console on Friday August 28. Console, a transfer from Duke, comes to Indiana after four years with the Blue Devils. In his time there, he wrestled at 165, 174 and 184 lbs. and accumulated 21 wins. Console spent time at least some time in the lineup every year when in Durham and competed in the ACC Championships twice, taking sixth place in 2024 at 174 lbs. He was a three-time team captain for the Blue Devils, three-time ACC Honor Roll selection and two-time All-ACC Academic Team member.
In 2025-26, Console picked up two wins to start the season before suffering a season-ending injury. During the 2024-25 campaign, Console wrestled in the lineup at 174 lbs. and made his second ACC Championships appearance. In 2023-24, Console competed at both 165 and 174 lbs. before competing in the ACC Championships at 174 lbs. where he took sixth place. In a dual against West Virginia, he picked up his first pin and ranked victory of the season against No. 17 Peyton Hall. In his first year in 2022-23, Console made eight dual appearances and picked up his first five career victories. Console will have one year of eligibility remaining in Bloomington. He joins his former Duke teammate Connor Barket in his transfer to Indiana. Console is a native of Barrington Hills, Ill. where he was a prep standout at St. Viator. At St. Viator, he was a two-time IHSA 2A regional champion and three-year team captain.
Improving Josh Hoover; Keeping the ‘Special’ in Special Teams for Indiana University Football Speculation is inevitable when it comes to quarterbacks, especially new quarterbacks, Indiana quarterbacks and the relentless line of success under head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan. What does that mean for Josh Hoover, the highly touted transfer from TCU? Let’s start with history. First, was Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Ohio University. Then came Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from the University of California. Rourke was second-team All-Big Ten in his one Hoosier season. He led IU to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. After a slow start, Mendoza became an unstoppable force, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a 16-0 record and the national championship.
Hoover arrives with better career numbers than both of them did in yards (9,629) and touchdowns (71), worse in interceptions (33). With less than two weeks before the season opener against North Texas, how is Hoover progressing? Cignetti offers perspective. “I don’t think there’s any question that he’s improved and is more confident,” he says. “There’s always improvement that can be made. There are still some missed opportunities out there that can be converted and executed. “What you have to do if you want to make a comparison is look at where we were last year at this time. We walked off the field after the second scrimmage and really weren’t good at all throwing the football. We weren’t feeling very good about things.”
IU struggled to a 27-14 season opening win over a solid Old Dominion team, falling behind 7-0 on the game’s opening play — a 75-yard quarterback run. While the Hoosiers rushed for 319 yards and two touchdowns and got a 91-yard punt return for a touchdown from Jonathan Brady, Mendoza was just 18-for-31 for 193 yards and no touchdowns. “They rip off a 75-yard touchdown on the first play,” Cignetti says. “Our first score was on a punt return. I think we scored our first offensive touchdown with 3:40 to go in the second quarter. We were inside the 10-yard line six times and scored 17 points.” IU kept improving. It finished the season as was of the nation’s best offensive teams with a ruthless combination of pass and run. In other words, it takes time even for talented, experienced quarterbacks to find their footing in a new system with new coaches and players. As for Hoover and this offense, Cignetti says, “We’ve made progress. We’re not in game prep yet, but it’s coming.”
Beyond Hoover, veteran Grant Wilson, a seventh-year player who transferred from Old Dominion last season, has the edge at backup quarterback ahead of third-year player Tyler Cherry and second-year player Jacob Bell. Wilson threw for 2,656 yards and 21 touchdowns in two seasons at Old Dominion. He also played for three years at Fordham. “(Wilson is) an experienced guy,” Cignetti says. “He’s had a good camp. Tyler has improved, too. Jacob Bell has a gun, but there are only so many reps out there.”
Even though classes have started, IU remains in August camp mode this week. A scrimmage was held on Tuesday evening with more offensive installation continuing. As far as achieving the necessary consistency, Cignetti says, “We’re getting there, but we’re not there yet. “We’re still installing quite a bit. The volume is heavy. There are a lot of multiples and variables. You never carry the whole package in any game. You cut down to what you think will be most effective. “The energy, the effort, the technique, the assignments and the finish have all improved, but still a way to go.”
IU has thrived with special teams under coordinator Grant Cain, and that figures to continue this season. “We have a lot of confidence in our specialists,” Cignetti says. “Our specialist teams have been a winning edge. Grant Cain does a great job. The kids really buy in. I feel good about our special teams.” The Hoosiers have one of the nation’s best kickers in Nico Radicic, who made 18-of-19 field goal attempts last season. For his career, he’s 29-for-31. He’s also made all 158 of his extra point attempts. For punting, IU brought in Hawaii transfer Billy Gowers, an Australia native who played eight seasons of Australian Rules Football. He earned All-America honors last year after averaging a Hawaii record 46.2 yards per punt. He had 25 punts inside the 20-yard line. Hoosier veteran Quinn Warren, who did some punting last season along with kickoff duties, is also in the mix. “There’s good competition between Billy and Quinn,” Cignetti says. The long snapper competition is led by Iowa State transfer Drew Clausen. Georgia State transfer Sam Lindsey is another veteran option, along with first-year player Jackson Tolle. “Drew Clawson has done a nice job,” Cignetti says. “We feel we have a good option if something would happen there.”
As far as punt return, receiver Tyler Morris has the early edge. He returned punts during his time at Michigan. There’s less certainty at kickoff return. Cignetti says running backs Turbo Richard, Lee Beebe Jr. and Khobie Martin are under consideration. “In the kickoff return game nowadays,” Cignetti says, “you only have the opportunity to return 10 to 15 percent of kickoffs. There will be times we fair catch it and take it at the 25-yard line.”
Defensive linemen Kellan Wyatt and Stephen Daley are practicing with the Hoosiers, although currently ineligible to play after last week’s stay on an injunction out of Colorado involving fifth-year players around the country. The initial ruling allowed players in the 2022 high school class to have a fifth year of eligibility. The NCAA appealed and, at least for now, won. Cignetti says coaches are “taking that day by day.” Wyatt and Daley had season-ending injuries last season while having breakout performances. The injuries prevented them from being drafted by NFL teams or making NFL preseason camps. Cignetti says he hopes both players are eventually able to play. “I think in their case, you’re creating opportunities. You look at Wyatt, he started less than half the games last year and got hurt. Then, Daley started six out of 16 games, got hurt. Both had pro potential, but because of injury, didn’t end up in NFL camp. We’d have to make no roster cuts if they’re eligible to play.” Cignetti says the Hoosiers will support Wyatt and Daley “in their quest to be eligible to play.”
IU has sold out all its home games for just the second time in program history. The only other time came in 1969, when it was five home games at Memorial Stadium, which had a capacity of 48,344. Now, Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium seats 52,656. The Hoosiers have eight home games, including an Oct. 17 showdown with No. 1 Ohio State. “It’s awesome,” Cignetti says. “We sold the stadium out with season tickets the first day. “(Fans are), without a doubt, the 12th man, the students and everybody else. The stadium is really loud when we play at home. It’s a problem for the opposition. It’s worth points. They’re a big part of our success.”
Indy Ignite announce ‘Grow the Game Award’ to invest in local high school volleyball programs The Indy Ignite are continuing to grow volleyball in the Hoosier state. On Monday, the franchise announced its new “Grow the Game Award,” an honor recognizing one Indiana girls high school volleyball program and one boys high school volleyball program. Both schools will receive $4,000 to invest in their own programs. “Building the sport of volleyball in Indiana for players of all ages, genders and abilities is a key component of the Indy Ignite mission,” said Randi Raff, director of community engagement for the Ignite. “With the Grow the Game Award, we are putting our money where our mouth is. These awards will put real resources behind the coaches and programs who are committed to growing the game, and they will help them take those programs to the next level.” Head coaches of Indiana High School Athletic Association schools must apply for the award before Jan. 21 2027. A panel of judges will select the winning programs based on: Need and impact of receiving the award, Coaching excellence and player development, Growing the game and Community impact.
Raff will serve as one of the judges along with Ignite Head Coach Lauren Bertolacci, Indianapolis Star Sports Reporter Brian Haenchen, and Terry Sweasy, commissioner and president for the USA Volleyball Hoosier Region and an Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee. The winning programs will be announced Feb. 2027. Not only will they receive money, the programs will also receive coaching resources from the Ignite staff and be recognized at an Indy home match during the 2027 season. To apply for the girls program award, click here. To apply for the boys program award, click here. For more information on the team, click here.
Indianapolis Colts release 53-man roster for 2026-2027 season It’s been a busy Sunday for the Indianapolis Colts front office, as the team made 37 roster cuts to finalize the team’s 53-man roster. Some of the key departures during Sunday’s deadline include defensive lineman Colby Wooden, kicker Blake Grupe and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The Colts’ official roster and depth at each position group are listed below.
Quarterback-Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard. Running back-Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Seth McGowan. Wide Receiver-Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, Deion Burks. Tight End-Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogeltree. Offensive Line-Quenton Nelson, Bernhard Raimann, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger. Defensive Line-DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, George Gumbs Jr., Caden Curry, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Michael Clemons, Tim Smith, Jerry Tillery. Linebacker-CJ Allen, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Austin Aijake, Bryce Boettcher, Tahj Chambers, Jaylon Carlies. Cornerback-Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., Cam Taylor-Britt, Justin Walley, Jaylon Jones, Jonathan Edwards. Safety-Cam Bynum, A.J Haulcy, Jonathan Owens, Hunter Wohler. Special Teams- Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes. Injured Reserve List (Designated for Return) – Tight end Will Mallory.
The list of all the players Indianapolis either released or waived is below. Waived: DT Cameron Ball, RB Ulysses Bentley IV, S Austin Brown, CB Rob Carter Jr., RB Anderson Castle, T Blake Freeland, TE JJ Galbreath, WR Anthony Gould, K Blake Grupe, WR Sahmir Hagans, CB Kenneth Harris, C Josh Kreutz, T Roy Mbaeteka, DE Mitchell Melton, TE Tyler Moore, C Jimmy Morrissey, DE Durrell Nchami, WR Ben Nikkel, WR Eli Pancol, CB Mekhi Rodgers, T Nolan Rucci, S Daniel Scott, WR Raylen Sharpe, C Geno VanDeMark, LB Devin Veresuk, S Trey Washington, T Trey Wedig, LB West Weeks and DT Colby Wooden. Released: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TE Pharaoh Brown, DT Derrick Nnadi, G Josh Sills, QB Easton Stick and S Juanyeh Thomas. Placed on injured reserve: WR Coleman Owen, TE Will Mallory (designated to return) and WR D.J. Montgomery.
Alex Palou clinches IndyCar Series Championship for the fifth time in last six seasons Before the final race of the NTT IndyCar Series schedule, Alex Palou clinched the Cup Series Championship for the fourth straight season and for the fifth time over the last six seasons. It’s Palou’s fourth straight IndyCar Series Championship, making him the second IndyCar driver in history to win four straight. Palou is now behind AJ Foyt and Scott Dixon for the most championships in IndyCar history. Foyt has seven championships, Dixon has six, and Palou now has five at just 29 years old.
Due to Saturday’s rain, Sunday’s Milwaukee Mile called for two separate races and a combined 500 laps. Palou described how tiring it was to complete two full races to lock up his IndyCar championship. “It was tough,” Palou said. “Today was very tough. We were not used to doing doubleheaders. We’re not used to doing a race and a half on the same day. Today was a lot of laps. It was very tiring, but it was the same for everyone. I was a bit bummed that we couldn’t really fight for any better than what we did. After qualifying, I thought that we could have an incredible weekend, and we struggled a bit today fighting for it but feels good to get a big reward.”
After clinching the title, Palou opened up about how special it feels to soak in his championship. “Last year was just magical,” Palou said. “Getting the 500, getting the eight wins, getting the championship too was just too much right? It was incredible. This year has been incredible. We missed the 500, but we got six wins. Maybe we can get another one next weekend. We will try and work for it. It’s just been another incredible year for the ten car and everybody at CGR [Chip Ganassi Racing.]” Moving ahead, Palou talked about how much relief he has heading into the last race of the season next Sunday with his championship secured. “My favorite track of the year,” Palou said. “We’re going to be rocking. Obviously the last race of the season, having clinched a championship already. So, it’s going to be cool. It’s going to be special and hopefully we can get another win.”
Palou entered Sunday’s Milwaukee Snap-On Makers and Fixers 250 with a 97-point lead over Kyle Kirkwood and needed to lead by 54 points after Sunday’s second race to clinch the title. Palou finished the second race in 10th and held off Kirkwood to win the title. Alex Palou’s six first-place finishes in 15 starts this year lead all IndyCar drivers. Outside of Palou, Kirkwood, Christian Lundgaard, and Josef Newgarden all have two wins this season. The final IndyCar race of the season wraps up at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, on Sunday.