Cover IU athletics, college sports for @indystar. Satellite Scouser. Publix ultra. Forever I love Atlanta. Life's too short to ride bad horses. zach.osterman@indystar.com linktree.com/unthinkabletounstoppablehttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mttz6k6zjk2mFive bold (or maybe not-so-bold) predictions for the coming IU football season: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/08/24/indiana-football-bold-predictions-in-2026-josh-hoover-passing-yards-big-ten-championship-game/91250428007/ #iufb24 Aug 2026 19:13 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mttz6k6zjk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mttoonfixs2nAJ Harris "tweaked his knee" but is working his way back. Remains an open competition opposite Jamari Sharpe between Harris and Ryland Gandy. "They both have had their moments." #iufb24 Aug 2026 16:05 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mttoonfixs2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mttogvgj2c2nCurt Cignetti up. Confirms Stephen Daley, Kellan Wyatt can practice, aren't currently eligible to play. Reiterates that in his mind, their cases are ones of "creating opportunities." #iufb24 Aug 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mttogvgj2c2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mtmahbvqkc2nIt's a Mind Your Banners Friday! @michaelniziolek.bsky.social and I will be podcasting here from about 1:15 p.m. ET. Join us! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfaf8pdZ-0k #iufb21 Aug 2026 17:02 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtmahbvqkc2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mth3ehxwo22nIsaiah Jones on Kellan Wyatt: "Kellan's fast. He's a good pass rusher. You can line him up on the edge, he's going to be a good pass rusher. You can line him up inside, he's going to be a good pass rusher." #iufb19 Aug 2026 15:48 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mth3ehxwo22nhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mte7rwytjk2dNo position's in-season development proved more important for Indiana last year than receiver. Curt Cignetti needs the same this time around. Insider: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/08/18/indiana-football-wide-receivers-nick-marsh-charlie-becker-coach-curt-cignetti-depth-tyler-morris/91342534007/ #iufb18 Aug 2026 12:29 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mte7rwytjk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mtbzw3knik2yCignetti: "I think Davion (Chandler)'s made good progress here recently." #iufb17 Aug 2026 15:39 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtbzw3knik2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mtbzu6gzg22yCignetti on Nick Marsh: "He's made some really nice plays in fall camp. Made a great play in the scrimmage. Big long, strong guy, good after the catch." Says it's now about developing "3, 4, 5" behind Marsh and Charlie Becker. #iufb17 Aug 2026 15:37 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtbzu6gzg22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mt2t5xdk5c2lWe're *thrilled* to announce a pre-launch book event with our great friends at Upland Brewing. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Wood Shop on 11th Street in Bloomington. Join me and @michaelniziolek.bsky.social for a discussion of "Unthinkable to Unstoppable"! More details below.14 Aug 2026 18:49 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mt2t5xdk5c2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msybkquqvs2rPODCAST TIME: Live in five with @michaelniziolek. Join us right here: streamyard.com/view_on_platform/youtube?link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QriLIPOQWJs #iufb https://streamyard.com/view_on_platform/youtube?link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QriLIPOQWJs13 Aug 2026 18:29 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msybkquqvs2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msv7tonu7s2l"Humble and hungry is the only way I know." No position group better embodies that missive from Curt Cignetti than the one that might be the best of its kind in the country. It's the No. 1 reason to buy IU as a contender in 2025. Insider: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/08/12/indiana-football-defensive-line-bryant-haines-college-football-playoff-national-championship/91260068007/ #iufb12 Aug 2026 13:20 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msv7tonu7s2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msswjvh6rs2bKevin Wilson apparently reached out "lending support" during Joe Hjelle's recruiting process, but Hjelle, who played for Wilson for a year at Tulsa, didn't ask his former coach specifically about Bloomington. #iufb11 Aug 2026 15:28 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msswjvh6rs2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msqiccbke22bCignetti asked if he had comment on Tommy McClelland's comments from last week. He does not engage: "Not really." #iufb10 Aug 2026 16:08 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msqiccbke22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msqia7swls2bCignetti says Kellan Wyatt "could possibly have some linebacker versatility" but will be line primarily. #iufb10 Aug 2026 16:07 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msqia7swls2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msqhyvepck2bAsked about tight end, Curt Cignetti name checks Andrew Barker, Brock Schott and Trevor Gibbs. Says IU is still looking for a fourth. #iufb10 Aug 2026 16:03 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msqhyvepck2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msqdg4wwrk2bWith football season ramping up, remember to subscribe to IndyStarTV: Hoosiers for press conference coverage, our weekly (and soon-to-be semiweekly) podcasts, behind-the-scenes looks at the Hoosiers and more: https://www.youtube.com/@IndyStarTVHoosiers #iufb10 Aug 2026 14:41 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msqdg4wwrk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msj4pfgqic2sPODCAST TIME: Recapping IU's first fall camp practices with @michaelniziolek.bsky.social right here. Join us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6dG42VnZtw #iufb07 Aug 2026 17:52 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msj4pfgqic2shttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msgep5wrcc2kCharlie Becker on Tyler Cherry’s impact last season: “He was with us the whole way. … I’m really, really excited for what he’s going to bring to the table this year.” #iufb06 Aug 2026 15:37 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msgep5wrcc2khttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msged57wz22sRolijah Hardy: "Getting after the quarterback, that's one of the best things about our defense." #iufb06 Aug 2026 15:30 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msged57wz22shttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msebeu3wmk2cStephen Daley's return to Indiana is the argument for grandfathering class-of-2022 athletes into the five-in-five rule. "His life could change." Insider: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/08/05/indiana-football-stephen-daley-injury-roster-5-in-5-rule-colorado-court-ruling-ncaa-apeal/91183185007/ #iufb05 Aug 2026 19:32 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msebeu3wmk2chttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msdv6xtvxc2sNo 11-on-11 for Stephen Daley right now. He's participating in practice. Curt Cignetti says he would have been cleared for fall camp in an otherwise normal timeline, but IU isn't going to rush him back. #iufb05 Aug 2026 15:54 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msdv6xtvxc2shttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msduxykcrk2sCurt Cignetti up. Says it's a "really important camp for us" because the full team is back together, after a lot of guys missed spring for various reasons. #iufb05 Aug 2026 15:50 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msduxykcrk2shttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3msbo4yqbk22cNEWS: Sen. Todd Young, one of just two Republicans to vote against the Protect College Sports Act in committee, tells IndyStar he's now a yes on the bill. Young's support comes as supporters hope to get the PCSA to the floor this week: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/2026/08/04/protect-college-sports-act-vote-indiana-senator-todd-young-big-ten-pcsa-sec/91168831007/04 Aug 2026 18:42 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3msbo4yqbk22chttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3ms76rvuyik2cReally excited to announce this event with Morgenstern Books. Morgenstern is a Bloomington institution, and @michaelniziolek.bsky.social and I were honored to be invited to talk about "Unthinkable to Unstoppable" the week of launch. We'll see y'all on Sept. 23! #iufb03 Aug 2026 19:02 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms76rvuyik2chttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3ms6ykrfbtc2cIU-Notre Dame series, scheduled for 2030-31, is off. More here: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/08/03/notre-dame-vs-indiana-football-series-scheduled-for-2030-31-is-canceled/91152715007/ #iufb03 Aug 2026 17:11 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms6ykrfbtc2chttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3ms4rroll7c2hPreorder now? Preorder now. a.co/d/05GiZrLN #iufb02 Aug 2026 20:04 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms4rroll7c2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mry7uk3iuc2vSam Alexis has a fifth year. IU has an open spot. Here’s what we know tonight: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/07/31/sam-alexis-has-a-5th-year-of-eligibility-what-we-know-about-ex-indiana-centers-plans/91130261007/ #iufb01 Aug 2026 00:33 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mry7uk3iuc2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mrwzudm7es2gThe Big Ten should make note of some of Curt Cignetti's best-received media day comments. When IU's coach heaped praise on Iowa, he was advocating for a middle class that needs -- and deserves -- more of that vocal support. Insider: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/07/31/big-ten-winning-argument-with-sec-will-depend-on-this-issue/91117465007/ #iufb31 Jul 2026 13:13 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrwzudm7es2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mrvmkne7622vCurt Cignetti recognizes perception. He knows people wonder if he’ll keep winning after his JMU generation. Those players might be gone. In Cignetti’s eyes, the culture they established is what matters. And it remains. Insider from media day: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2026/07/30/curt-cignettis-james-madison-generation-is-mostly-gone-why-hes-confident-in-future/91115864007/ #iufb30 Jul 2026 23:42 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrvmkne7622vhttps://bsky.app/profile/zachosterman.bsky.social/post/3mrv3x7luq22vCurt Cignetti asked by @JohnDBrice1 about NIL allowing the Big Ten to pass the SEC. Says he can’t speak to that question on a national scale, doesn’t want to offend half the country. Follow up: Is Cignetti worried about offending half the country? “Sometimes.” #iufb30 Jul 2026 18:45 +0000at://did:plc:dnxkvdg62mc3kbivjphp2eom/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrv3x7luq22v