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Riley Nowakowski
Bio
- Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
- School: Indiana
- Year: R-Senior
Measurables
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 239
Scouting Report
Riley Nowakowski is a seasoned Big 10 veteran. He was a zero-star prospect who walked onto Wisconsin as a linebacker. He redshirted as a freshman and didn't make an impact. He converted to fullback ahead of 2022, but in 2023, the new coaching staff eliminated the fullback position, so he transitioned to tight end as a run-blocking specialist. He earned his scholarship that season and stayed at Wisconsin for one more year. After five years at Wisconsin, he transferred to Indiana and was their primary tight end for their championship run.
Nowakowski looks like a player who had to change positions multiple times in college. There is no real nuance in his receiving work; it's get the route, run the route, maybe catch the ball. Of his 31 receptions this season, only one came past ten yards down the field. He adds value as a run-game blocker with natural leverage, good power, and foot drive through the whistle. He has extensive special teams experience, which is his most likely path to a roster long term.
Rundown
Nowakowski was an instrumental piece of a National Championship, but his ceiling as an NFL prospect is significantly capped.
Player Comp
NFL Range of Outcomes
Practice Squad to Average Backup
For more information on Riley Nowakowski and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
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