The 2026 UIndy football season kicks off next week with a week-0 clash with crosstown Marian University in the "Monumental Matchup." With fall camp in the books, it's time to check in with the Greyhounds, starting with the offense.
 
Perhaps the biggest question mark of the season comes at the quarterback spot, as the graduation of three-time GLVC Offensive Player of the Year and 2025 Harlon Hill Award runner-up Gavin Sukup leaving a hole at the sport's most-critical position. UIndy looks to have gotten its answer in fall camp after transfer Nick Patterson battled it out with returners such as Clay Hayden and Holland Harris.
 
"We had great competition," said quarterbacks coach Bennett White. "The guys had a great fall camp and pushed each other every day, but Nick set himself apart through his steady demeanor and consistency. But he leads a stacked quarterback room, anchored by high-caliber backups Clay and Holland—both of whom possess the talent to step in and drive the offense without missing a beat."
 
A native of nearby Mooresville, Ind., Patterson joined the Hounds in the spring after transferring from in-region Saginaw Valley. Coach White noted his experience, his physical size at 6'2", 225 pounds, and his elite dual-threat playmaking as further strengths for the junior signal caller.
 
Conversely, the other skill positions bring back a wealth of talent and experience from last year's potent offense. The two-headed monster of Garrett Sherrell and Juseters Fataki return for to the backfield after combining for more than 1,500 rushing yards on nearly eight yards per carry, and 28 total touchdowns last fall. Sprinkle in contributions from some talented younger guys like Caiden Verrett, and the Hounds could once again deploy one of the most prolific rushing attacks in the nation.
 
"I think the biggest strength in the RB room is the depth we have," noted running backs coach John Bivens. "We have a lot of guys who could play and production would not decrease, and I was impressed with how they really attacked camp."
 
The wide receiver room also welcomes back a familiar group of talent. All-conference performers and longtime contributors Anthony Crowell and Kaleb Carver headline the bunch, while others returners like Giovani Laurent and Taylor Clark look primed for a potential breakout season.
 
"We have a good mix of experience and new guys eager to learn from them," shared receivers coach Robert Burke." We have guys that have started or have played a lot of snaps for us in big-time games, and they are helping get our talented young guys better every day.
 
"Our big-play ability has been huge the past three years, and I'm excited to see this group continue that.'
 
With five players in the room with at least one touchdown catch to his credit, the tight end position could also be a bright spot. Redshirt-junior Colton Wilkie is coming off a productive campaign as the Hounds' primary starter. Cole Bennett earned starts as well, while 2024 starter Luke Chambers is back to form after coming off injury.
 
"As a group, we have started the season on a very positive note," said tight ends coach Carter Hendricks. "Our depth and versatility stood out to me throughout camp. We've been able to affect the game positively through both the pass game and the run game. We have a lot of guys playing at a very high level, and they've been playing very cohesively together."
 
Meanwhile, returning o-line starters Tyler Leopold and Keiveion Anderson provide some stability up front. Both were voting All-GLVC last season, with Leopold earned Elite 100 First Team accolades this preseason.
 
The Greyhounds open the season at Key Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 27 when they host Marian in just the fourth-ever Monumental Matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Last season, the Hounds defeated the Knights, 45-21.