Report: Expected Indiana football starting offensive lineman Nick Kidwell suffered season-ending injury

Indiana football offensive lineman and projected starter Nick Kidwell will miss the entire 2024 season. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel late on Tuesday night.

Kidwell is a transfer from James Madison and a key addition this offseason to bolster the Indiana offensive line. Across five seasons, he had totaled 34 starts with JMU and was an All-Conference performer in 2021 and 2022.

In 2023, Kidwell suffered a season-ending knee injury just four games into the season. After transferring to Indiana, he received a medical redshirt and was eligible for the 2024 season.

Despite missing all of spring practice, he returned to the practice field earlier this fall.

Kidwell is a 6-foot-5 and 316-pounder who was projected to play right guard. Now, Indiana football will likely look to redshirt sophomore Bray Lynch and redshirt junior Vinny Fiacable as two potential replacements in the starting group, albeit both with limited playing experience.

Carter Smith, Mike Katic, Wisconsin transfer Trey Wedig and James Madison transfer Tyler Stephens were all expected starters alongside Kidwell.

The offensive line for the Indiana football program was a group that needed a total overhaul after losing three starters. Originally the entire starting line left the program, with Smith opting to return after putting his name in the portal and Katic deciding to return after originally deciding to pursue professional opportunities. Zach Carpenter, Matt Bedford and Kahlil Benson were the three starters to leave this offseason.

Indiana begins its 2024 season and the Curt Cignetti era on Aug. 31 against Florida International.