The Indiana Hoosiers entered the 2026 season with a reliable and proven placekicker. Nico Radicic emerged as one of the top kickers in the country last season, as he drilled 17 of his 18 field goal attempts and converted on all 87 extra point tries.
Radicic handled all of Indiana's placekicking responsibilities in Week 1 against North Texas. In a convincing 52-16 win for the Hoosiers, Radicic went a perfect 7-for-7 on PATs and 1-for-1 on field goal attempts, which came in the form of a career-long 49-yard kick. He looked well on track to having another strong season in Bloomington.
Nico Radicic injury update: Radicic OUT against Howard
Unfortunately, Radicic isn't playing today against Howard. The news comes as a surprise, as he wasn't listed on any injury reports throughout the week. Early in the 1st quarter, the Big Ten Network broadcast reported the news and showed Radicic on the sidelines without his helmet. He also had heating pads around his torso and back.
NEWS: Nico Radicic is out today, per the BTN broadcast.
— Alec Lasley (@allasley) September 12, 2026
Has heating pads around his back. #iufb
It remains to be seen if keeping Radicic sidelined is just a precautionary move, or if he will be required to miss more time. The extent of his injury has yet to be specified at this time. With Radicic unavailable, Paddy McAteer is taking over Indiana's placekicking responsibilities.
Paddy McAteer handling placekicking responsibilities with Radicic sidelined
A native of Mullaghbawn, Ireland, McAteer first kicked an American football in April 2024 at the age of 20. He spent two seasons at Troy upon arriving in the United States, and entered the 2026 season expecting to be Indiana's long-range kicker. Radicic is solid, but he has never attempted a field goal from 50+ yards in his collegiate career. McAteer has a big leg, as he converted a 53-yard field goal with Troy last season at Texas State, showcasing the kind of leg strength that could make him a valuable weapon for Indiana this season.
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However, McAteer got off to a rough start against Howard. After Indiana's second touchdown of the first quarter, McAteer missed the extra point. He pulled the kick wide left, which was Indiana's first missed extra point in the Cignetti era. Special teams have been a strength for the Hoosiers over the past two seasons, and having a reliable kicker is extremely valuable.
Looking ahead, McAteer figures to be Indiana's primary kicker with Radicic unavilable. Hopefully he is able to shake off that first missed extra point and get back on track. Following Shazz Preston's 1st-quarter touchdown catch, McAteer bounced back with a successful PAT try. More updates on Radicic's injury will be provided when available.
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