The Indiana football program is in the midst of a coaching search as a new era will begin in Bloomington next fall.
This week, however, numerous players earned All-Big Ten honors.
On Wednesday, two Hoosiers received All-Big Ten Offensive Honorable Mention.
Wideout Donaven McCulley had a phenomenal season in just his second year at the position. After making a position switch from quarterback to wide receiver ahead of the 2022 season, his progression was seen this year. In 12 games, McCulley caught 48 passes for 644 yards — both team-highs. He also had six touchdowns.
Not only was McCulley a dominant threat in the redzone, he also turned into a legit number one receiver. He caught 60 percent of his targets this year with 10 contested catches ranking third in the Big Ten.
“Now, I’m a real wide receiver who is athletic,” McCulley said earlier this season. ” … I’ve always felt like, ‘Go out there every play and just tell yourself you’re unguardable’. Just try to impose your will. I’m 6-foot-5, 210 (pounds) and I feel like I need to impose my will on almost every play. That’s a big thing for me, just being a dawg.”
“D Mac to me is a guy I’ve always challenged.,” Tom Allen added this season. “I’ve always felt like that he was a guy that should have the mindset that ‘they just can’t guard me. If the ball is anywhere near me, I’ll going to come down with it. They’re going to have to grab me, hold me, interfere with me in order to make a play.’
Over the last five games, McCulley had 420 yards and five touchdowns. His standout performance was against Illinois, grabbing 11 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
He had six games above 50 yards receiving and seven games with at least four catches.
His 48 receptions are the most by an Indiana football player since Whop Philyor in 2019.
He ranked 10th in receptions in the Big Ten, sixth in receiving touchdowns and 14th in yards per catch.
Earlier this week, McCulley announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.
The other offensive player for the Indiana football program to receive honors was offensive lineman Zach Carpenter.
Carpenter had 25 starts with 27 appearances across three seasons at Indiana. This season, his 2.3 percent pressure rate was the third best in the Big Ten.
Carpenter has also entered the transfer portal this week.
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