The Indianapolis Colts are taking an unconventional approach to bolstering their tight complete room, signing Carson Towt, a recent graduate of Notre Dame, to a contract. While Towt excelled on the basketball court, his future now lies on the American football gridiron. This move, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 17, 2026, has raised eyebrows across both the basketball and NFL worlds, marking a rare transition from the hardwood to the endzone.
Towt, a 6-foot-11 forward, concluded his collegiate basketball career with the Fighting Irish after transferring from Northern Arizona University. Before arriving at Notre Dame, Towt established himself as a dominant rebounder at Northern Arizona, earning recognition as the leading rebounder in Division I basketball during the 2024-2025 season. According to his profile on the Northern Arizona University athletics website, he averaged 13.3 points and 12.4 rebounds per game during his time with the Lumberjacks. ABC7 Chicago reported on the Colts’ decision to sign Towt as a tight end prospect.
From the Court to the Gridiron: A Unique Transition
The transition from basketball to football is not entirely unprecedented, but it remains a relatively uncommon path, particularly at the professional level. Towt’s size and athleticism, but, are seen as potentially valuable assets for a tight end position. The Colts, who finished the 2025 NFL season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, are clearly looking for ways to inject fresh talent and versatility into their roster. Colts.com details the team’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and improve their performance.
While Towt’s statistics at Notre Dame were less impressive than his numbers at Northern Arizona – averaging 5.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in his final collegiate season – his physical attributes caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Colts are banking on his ability to translate his rebounding prowess and size into an advantage in blocking and receiving as a tight end. The team’s coaching staff will face the challenge of developing Towt’s football skills, which are currently limited given his basketball background.
Indianapolis Colts’ Offseason Moves and Tight End Needs
The Colts’ decision to sign Towt is part of a broader series of offseason moves aimed at strengthening the team. The team has been actively addressing needs at several positions, including tight end, where they are seeking to add depth and playmaking ability. The tight end position has become increasingly key in modern NFL offenses, with players expected to contribute both as blockers and receivers.
According to Schefter’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Towt started 151 of 154 career games in basketball, averaging 9.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, finishing his career with 1,383 points, 1,357 rebounds, 420 assists, and 105 steals. This demonstrates a consistent presence and a well-rounded skillset on the basketball court. The question now is whether those attributes can be successfully adapted to the demands of professional football.
Carson Towt was a forward on the basketball teams at Notre Dame (2025-26) and Northern Arizona (2019-25). He started 151-of-154 career games and averaged 9.0 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game. Towt finished his career with 1,383 points, 1,357 rebounds, 420 assists, 105…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2026
The Challenges and Potential Rewards of a Basketball-to-Football Conversion
Converting a basketball player to a tight end in the NFL is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The learning curve is steep, as Towt will need to master the intricacies of route running, blocking schemes, and catching techniques specific to football. He will also need to adapt to the physical demands of the sport, which are significantly different from those of basketball.
However, the potential upside is considerable. Towt’s size and athleticism could make him a mismatch for opposing defenders, creating opportunities for substantial plays in the passing game. His rebounding instincts could also translate into an ability to high-point the ball and secure contested catches. The Colts’ coaching staff will need to be patient and provide Towt with the necessary support and training to maximize his potential.
Historical Precedents and Similar Transitions
While rare, there have been instances of basketball players successfully transitioning to the NFL. Perhaps the most notable example is Antonio Gates, who played college basketball at Kent State before becoming a Pro Bowl tight end for the San Diego Chargers. Gates’ success demonstrates that it is possible for a basketball player to make a significant impact in the NFL, but it requires exceptional athleticism, dedication, and coaching. Fighting Irish Wire highlights Towt’s unique path to the NFL.
The Colts’ gamble on Carson Towt represents a fascinating experiment in player development. Whether Towt can successfully make the transition from basketball to football remains to be seen, but his size, athleticism, and determination give him a fighting chance. The team will be closely monitoring his progress throughout the offseason and training camp, hoping that he can become a valuable contributor to their offense.
The Colts will begin their organized team activities in May, providing the first opportunity to assess Towt’s progress and integration into the offense. Further updates on Towt’s development are expected throughout the summer as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to spot if this unconventional move will pay off for the Indianapolis Colts.
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