After helping the Indiana Hoosiers win their first national title, tight end Riley Nowakowski is taking his talents to the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers in particular.
He still has a lot to prove before he actually makes it to the final roster heading to the 2026-27 season, but many believe he could be a key player for the Steelers in the future, especially for their passing game.
He is still unsigned, so he still has a lot to prove. This begs the question of who is he really?
Riley Nowakowski in High School and College
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he attended Marquette University High School and played both as a linebacker and running back, being named into the first-team all-state in Wisconsin during his senior year. However, he was never recruited but instead went to the University of Wisconsin as a walk-on.
During his freshman season in 2020, he was redshirted but came back the next year where he became a full back. In 2023, he changed positions again, this time as a tight end and was awarded a football scholarship in addition to becoming a starter and eventually becoming a team captain in 2024.
During his final year of eligibility, he transferred to Indiana and was a starter there, eventually becoming a national champion with the Fernando Mendoza-led Hoosiers. He impressed many NFL scouts, eventually being picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 169th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft.
Riley Nowakowski College Stats
In his career, he had a total of 50 receptions for 518 passing yards, averaging 10.4 yards per reception and scoring three touchdowns. A majority of that came in his redshirt senior year with Indiana, getting 32 receptions on 387 passing yards and scoring two touchdowns.
It should be noted that he did play as a linebacker for Wisconsin in his first three years.
Riley Nowakowski Fit With the Pittsburgh Steelers
He was one of Fernando Mendoza’s favorite passing targets last season, and he has been a very reliable tight end for the Hoosiers. He could work well with any quarterback, and given the Steelers’ current quarterback situation, that is what they need right now.
Nowakowski could be one of the biggest steals of the draft, and whether the quarterback will still be Aaron Rodgers or someone else, he could step up as a tight end.
Read More:
Commanders Undrafted Free Agent Signings: Complete UDFA List Revealed
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
