Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Riley Nowakowski & D'Angelo Ponds
11/25/2025 6:00:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –––– As Indiana Football's Week 14 matchup at Purdue on Friday (November 28) approaches, Riley Nowakowski and D'Angelo Ponds addressed the media inside the Don Croftcheck Football Team Room.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Riley Nowakowski | TE | R-Sr.+
On turning short yardage gains into big ones…
RN: I like to think it's because I used to play running back in high school and always told people I'm more of a running back anyways. When I ended up switching to tight end, the running back room I was looking at potentially going into was just really loaded with some NFL caliber guys like Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo. So, I ended up moving to tight end and blocking a little bit, but I think I still got a little something in the tank. So, I think I got a little bit of vision from that.
On learning about Purdue rivalry…
RN: For me, it was really James Bomba. This guy has been here six years, raised down the street, and having him in my room, I just talked to him about it, just kind of really trying to listen and hear what he has to say. You know, he's a guy where it really means a lot to him, right? He's been born and raised in this rivalry, I'm a little bit new to it, but I hate Purdue just as much as him. We're one team.
On focusing and respecting Purdue…
RN: I think just taking it the same as every other game. I mean, it's the next game up mentality, right? We can't play tomorrow's game; we have to play today's game. I think that's really just been the message. Every day we come in focused. Intensity has got to be high every single time because in college football, you can get beat on any given Saturday. You see it all throughout the season that, you know, a team thinks they have an easy game, and it doesn't end well for them.
D'Angelo Ponds | DB | Jr.
On Purdue's improvement…
DP: Like you said, they're much improved from last year. I feel like they're more physical this year. They're a very competitive team, even though their record probably doesn't show it. They're a good team. We don't take them lightly, and they're better than last year.
On preparing for a two-quarterback system…
DP: It is something different, just going against a two-quarterback system. Obviously, they're two different guys, so we treat them two different ways. I feel like Coach (Bryant) Haines has a perfect plan for them.
On knowing Coach Haines' defensive scheme…
DP: Very early. Since JMU (James Madison), I've known he's an evil guy, like you said. He confuses quarterbacks, and I feel like that's what makes us so great. Quarterbacks really don't know what they're seeing out there. He's great at what he does.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Riley Nowakowski | TE | R-Sr.+
On turning short yardage gains into big ones…
RN: I like to think it's because I used to play running back in high school and always told people I'm more of a running back anyways. When I ended up switching to tight end, the running back room I was looking at potentially going into was just really loaded with some NFL caliber guys like Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo. So, I ended up moving to tight end and blocking a little bit, but I think I still got a little something in the tank. So, I think I got a little bit of vision from that.
On learning about Purdue rivalry…
RN: For me, it was really James Bomba. This guy has been here six years, raised down the street, and having him in my room, I just talked to him about it, just kind of really trying to listen and hear what he has to say. You know, he's a guy where it really means a lot to him, right? He's been born and raised in this rivalry, I'm a little bit new to it, but I hate Purdue just as much as him. We're one team.
On focusing and respecting Purdue…
RN: I think just taking it the same as every other game. I mean, it's the next game up mentality, right? We can't play tomorrow's game; we have to play today's game. I think that's really just been the message. Every day we come in focused. Intensity has got to be high every single time because in college football, you can get beat on any given Saturday. You see it all throughout the season that, you know, a team thinks they have an easy game, and it doesn't end well for them.
D'Angelo Ponds | DB | Jr.
On Purdue's improvement…
DP: Like you said, they're much improved from last year. I feel like they're more physical this year. They're a very competitive team, even though their record probably doesn't show it. They're a good team. We don't take them lightly, and they're better than last year.
On preparing for a two-quarterback system…
DP: It is something different, just going against a two-quarterback system. Obviously, they're two different guys, so we treat them two different ways. I feel like Coach (Bryant) Haines has a perfect plan for them.
On knowing Coach Haines' defensive scheme…
DP: Very early. Since JMU (James Madison), I've known he's an evil guy, like you said. He confuses quarterbacks, and I feel like that's what makes us so great. Quarterbacks really don't know what they're seeing out there. He's great at what he does.
#NeverDaunted
Players Mentioned
FB: Riley Nowakowski Media Availability (11/25/25)
Tuesday, November 25
FB: D'Angelo Ponds Media Availability (11/25/25)
Tuesday, November 25
FB: Week 14 (Purdue) - Curt Cignetti Press Conference
Monday, November 24
FB: Inside IU Football with Curt Cignetti - Week 14 (at Purdue)
Wednesday, November 19