Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana wide receiver Jackson Wasserstrom has entered the transfer portal just days before the College Football Playoff national title game, adding a surprising twist to the Hoosiers’ roster situation. Despite his decision, Wasserstrom will remain with Indiana for Monday’s matchup against Carson Beck and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes, giving him a final opportunity to contribute to his team on the biggest stage.
Wasserstrom, a junior, has spent three seasons with the Hoosiers, though his playing time has been limited. He appeared in just one game during both the 2023 and 2024 seasons and has played in seven games this season, recording only two catches for 21 yards. His last reception came on October 25 in a game against the UCLA Bruins. A walk-on at Indiana, Wasserstrom redshirted his freshman year before finally seeing more action this season.
Despite limited time on the field, Wasserstrom has made his mark academically, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors twice during his career. The 5-foot-11 receiver, a product of Westfield High School in Indiana, originally chose to stay in his home state to play for the Hoosiers, but now appears ready to explore opportunities elsewhere to gain more playing time.
The NCAA allows players participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game a five-day extension to enter the transfer portal, giving Wasserstrom time to evaluate potential programs without missing the chance to be part of the Hoosiers’ title run. The standard transfer portal deadline is January 16, but this rule provides added flexibility for players in postseason play.
According to 247Sports, Wasserstrom is now the 10th Indiana player to enter the transfer portal in this cycle, highlighting the ongoing trend of player movement within college football programs. The Hoosiers, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, will need to manage these departures while preparing to face a Miami team led by standout quarterback Carson Beck.
Wasserstrom’s decision illustrates the delicate balance college athletes face between loyalty to their current program and the pursuit of personal development and playing opportunities. While his contributions on the field have been limited, his experience, familiarity with the team, and academic accolades show a level of dedication and persistence that could appeal to other programs seeking depth at the wide receiver position.
As Indiana prepares for the national title game, Wasserstrom’s name will remain on the roster, and fans will have a chance to see him in action one last time in a high-profile matchup. His entry into the transfer portal signals a new chapter for his career, with multiple programs likely to evaluate the Hoosiers’ homegrown talent in the coming weeks.
For Indiana, the focus remains on Monday’s game, but Wasserstrom’s transfer decision adds another layer of intrigue as the Hoosiers navigate the final moments of the season. Whether on the field against Miami or in the process of securing his next opportunity, Jackson Wasserstrom’s story reflects both the challenges and opportunities that come with being a student-athlete in modern college football.
