A surprising 11-2 season and a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP) have left the Indiana Hoosiers in a state of flux as they navigate the transfer portal. While the Hoosiers have managed to add some significant new talent to their roster, they are also grappling with the loss of key players. The transfer portal can be a double-edged sword, and Indiana is experiencing both sides of that reality.
Impact of the Transfer Portal on Indiana
The transfer portal has reshaped college football, allowing players to seek new opportunities while also enabling programs to bolster their rosters. For Indiana, the excitement of a successful season is tempered by the fact that they have lost some impactful players through this process. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Hoosiers must address these losses while integrating new talent to maintain their competitive edge.
So, who are the players that Indiana has lost to the transfer portal? Let’s take a closer look at three particularly significant departures that could impact the team’s performance moving forward.
#1. Nahji Logan, LB
Nahji Logan, a 6-foot-4 linebacker who transferred in from UMass, was expected to be a formidable presence on the field. During his four seasons at UMass, he racked up an impressive 128 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. However, Logan’s time at Indiana was short-lived, as he played in just four games without registering a tackle.
In October, Logan entered the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start and another opportunity to showcase his skills. He ultimately signed with Nevada, where he hopes to make a significant impact in his final season of eligibility. Indiana will certainly feel the absence of a player with Logan’s potential, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
#2. Tayven Jackson, QB
Another notable departure is quarterback Tayven Jackson. Originally a transfer from Tennessee, Jackson had a rocky tenure with the Hoosiers. After completing three of four passes for 47 yards in his brief time at Tennessee, he found more success at Indiana, throwing for 1,263 yards and six touchdowns.
Jackson’s most memorable performance came in 2023 when he threw for 299 yards against Louisville. However, after losing the starting quarterback job a few weeks later, his playing time dwindled. In 2024, he threw only 37 passes, leading him to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
Jackson has now signed with Central Florida, where he will have two remaining seasons of eligibility. With Scott Frost returning as head coach, it will be intriguing to see how Jackson fits into the UCF offense and whether he can reclaim the starting role.
#3. Donaven McCulley, WR
The loss of wide receiver Donaven McCulley also stings for Indiana fans. McCulley was a game-breaking receiver in 2023, transitioning from quarterback to receiver after arriving at Indiana in 2021. He had a breakout season, catching 48 passes for 644 yards and six touchdowns.
Expectations were high for McCulley heading into 2024, but his season took a turn for the worse after suffering an injury in the season opener. He played in only four games, catching just two passes before deciding to opt out for the remainder of the season to preserve his final year of eligibility.
Ultimately, McCulley signed with Michigan, where he will look to make an impact in a Wolverines offense that struggled in 2024. With the arrival of highly touted freshman Bryce Underwood in 2025, McCulley could become a vital target in the passing game.
Looking Ahead for Indiana
As Indiana reflects on its transfer portal losses, the team must also focus on the new talent they have acquired. The Hoosiers have an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen their roster, but it will take careful planning and execution to maintain their competitive edge in the Big Ten.
With the departure of key players like Logan, Jackson, and McCulley, the coaching staff will need to identify emerging talent within the program and find effective replacements through recruiting and the portal. The upcoming season will be a test of resilience for Indiana, as they aim to replicate their success from the previous year.
What do you think of Indiana’s portal losses? How will these changes impact the team’s performance in the coming season? The landscape of college football is constantly shifting, and it will be fascinating to see how the Hoosiers adapt and evolve in response to these challenges.
