Indiana offensive lineman Nick Kidwell, who transferred from James Madison, will miss the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury. Kidwell was expected to play a key role as the starting right guard for the Hoosiers after a successful career at James Madison, where he appeared in 52 games, starting 34 of them. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 316 pounds, Kidwell earned first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors in 2021 and second-team All-Sun Belt recognition in 2022. His 2023 season at James Madison was cut short by a season-ending injury, but a medical hardship waiver granted him a seventh year of eligibility at Indiana.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti praised Kidwell, calling him one of the top linemen in the Sun Belt last year before his injury. With Kidwell sidelined, Cignetti highlighted the importance of depth on the offensive line, mentioning Drew Evans and Bray Lynch as potential contributors. Evans, who transferred from Wisconsin, has yet to play in a game during his college career, while Lynch, a three-star recruit from Austin, Texas, has played 71 snaps across 10 games in two seasons with Indiana.
Indiana’s offensive line returns two starters from last season: left tackle Carter Smith and center Mike Katic. The team also added Wisconsin transfer Trey Wedig, who was expected to start at right tackle before Kidwell’s injury. Another key addition is Tyler Stephens, who transferred from James Madison and brings versatility to the line after earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023.
With the season opener against Florida International on August 31 approaching, offensive line coach Bob Bostad faces the challenge of finding a new starter to replace Kidwell. Despite the setback, Cignetti expressed confidence in Bostad’s coaching abilities, describing him as a veteran with a strong reputation who will get the most out of the offensive line.
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