Heading into Week 2 against Howard, one player we told you to keep an eye on was backup QB Grant Wilson. This was the type of game where the Hoosiers could build a comfortable lead early and then turn to their second- and third-teamers––such as Wilson––for plenty of playing time. And that’s exactly how it played out.
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Indiana raced out to a 41-0 lead at halftime, and handed the keys of the offense to Wilson at the start of the 3rd quarter. Wilson is a sixth-year senior who has spent time at Fordham, Old Dominion, and now Indiana. He was Indiana's third-string QB last season behind the Mendoza brothers, and entered the 2026 season as IU's QB2 behind Josh Hoover. He attempted just a single pass last season, and made sure to make the most of his chances against Howard.
Grant Wilson makes the most of his opportunity vs Howard
With such a big lead, the Hoosiers were very run-heavy with Wilson in the game. However, when he was asked to throw, he delivered in a major way.
Wilson attempted just two throws on the day, both of which went for touchdowns. His first touchdown pass came from 3 yards out to Davion Chandler. It was his first collegiate TD pass since September 28, 2024 at Bowling Green when he was with Old Dominion.
His second touchdown came on a 51-yard strike to Nick Marsh, and served as IU's final scoring play of the game.
Nick Marsh TD from Grant Wilson!!! Indiana is piling it on pic.twitter.com/pVa7jcG7gH
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) September 12, 2026
It was a great showing for Wilson, who is described by Curt Cignetti as "as good of a team player as we have on the team." That is a role Wilson doesn't take lightly.
Grant Wilson dubbed Indiana's 'best teammate' by Curt Cignetti
Speaking with the media after the game, Wilson was asked about Cignetti referring to him as Indiana's best team player. His response makes it clear that Wilson is loving his role and doing everything he can to help the Hoosiers be the best that they can be.
"That's the role, and I embrace it every single day," said Wilson. "I just love being here, love being a part of the team, and whatever I can do to help the team win is my number one opportunity and choice." See Wilson's full comments below:
Backup QB Grant Wilson on Curt Cignetti calling him the IU's best teammate: "That's the role, and I embrace it every single day. I just love being here, love being a part of the team, and whatever I can do to help the team win is my number one opportunity and choice." pic.twitter.com/ZOSLpAHRqr
— Michael Niziolek (@michaelniziolek) September 12, 2026
For Wilson, being a team player isn’t just a label — it’s the role he’s embraced. Furthermore, it's a role he is thriving in. No matter what is asked of him, he’s focused on finding ways to make an impact and contribute to Indiana’s success. And judging by the way Cignetti talks about him, that mindset hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Wilson saw his most playing time at ODU in 2023, as he threw for 2,149 yards and 17 touchdowns. Hoover has been rolling this season, and hopefully that continues down the road. But having a guy like Wilson as your QB2 is incredibly valuable for Cignetti and company. He embodies the team-first spirit that Cignetti preaches, and he is showing that there's more than one way to make a positive impact on the team.
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