Colts Seize a Chance on Notre Dame Basketball Star as Tight End Prospect

INDIANAPOLIS – In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts are giving a former basketball player a shot at a career in the NFL. Carson Towt, fresh off his collegiate basketball career at Notre Dame, signed a free agent contract with the Colts on Tuesday, with the team hoping to develop him as a tight end. This isn’t the first time the Colts have pursued this type of project; they’ve had success with Mo Alie-Cox, a former VCU basketball player who recently re-signed with the team and is entering his ninth season.

Towt, who led Notre Dame in rebounding with an average of 9.0 rebounds per game, played his final game with the Fighting Irish in the ACC tournament last week. Now, with his college basketball eligibility exhausted, he’s turning his attention to football, a sport he has never played at any level.

Towt expressed confidence in his ability to make the transition, citing his physical attributes demonstrated on the basketball court. “I think this sport honors those things, and my size, how I developed as a player, my style of play, and what I take pride in,” he said.

At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, as listed by Notre Dame, Towt possesses a notable physical frame. He led the nation in rebounding during the 2024-25 season while playing for Northern Arizona before transferring to Notre Dame. He was also recognized as a unanimous selection to the Big Sky Conference’s defensive team in 2024-25, showcasing his rebounding prowess.

The Colts’ previous success with Alie-Cox likely influenced their decision to give Towt an opportunity. Towt himself has been in contact with Alie-Cox in recent months, seeking guidance as he considered this career path. Alie-Cox, similarly, had no prior football experience before joining the NFL.

“You hear the story and you think, ‘Okay, maybe he’s in a different position,’” Towt noted, referring to Alie-Cox. “No, he actually had to start from square one as well. So I thought that was special and something I could identify with.”

The transition from college basketball to NFL tight end isn’t unprecedented. Hall of Famer Antonio Gates successfully made the switch after a basketball career, but not all attempts have been successful. Colin Granger, a former Coastal Carolina basketball player, was released by the Carolina Panthers in May of last year after joining the team just a month prior.

The Colts’ interest in Towt comes as they continue to evaluate options at the tight end position. The team re-signed veteran tight end Jelani Woods earlier this offseason, and Alie-Cox provides a reliable presence. Still, adding a player with Towt’s unique athleticism and size could provide a different dimension to the offense.

Indianapolis finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, placing third in the AFC South. The team is looking to build on that foundation and compete for a playoff berth in the upcoming season. The Colts’ offense, led by quarterback Daniel Jones, will be looking for ways to improve its consistency and explosiveness, and Towt could potentially contribute to those efforts if he can successfully adapt to the demands of the NFL.

The Colts were active in free agency, re-signing key players like Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. They also added cornerback Taylor-Britt, further bolstering their defense. The team is clearly focused on building a competitive roster through a combination of free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Colts’ willingness to take a chance on a raw prospect like Towt reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly looking for athletes with unique skill sets, even if they lack traditional football experience. The league has seen several players successfully transition from other sports, and the Colts are hoping Towt can be the next success story.

Towt’s journey will undoubtedly be challenging. He will need to learn the intricacies of the game, develop his blocking skills, and refine his route-running ability. However, his size, athleticism, and rebounding instincts could give him a foundation to build upon. The Colts’ coaching staff will play a crucial role in his development, providing him with the guidance and support he needs to succeed.

The Indianapolis Colts will begin their offseason workouts in April, giving Towt his first opportunity to showcase his skills on the football field. It remains to be seen whether he can make the team’s roster, but his signing has generated significant buzz and added an intriguing storyline to the Colts’ offseason.

The Colts’ next key date is the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled to begin on April 23rd. The team holds several draft picks and will be looking to add talent at various positions. Following the draft, the team will hold rookie minicamp, providing another opportunity for Towt to impress the coaching staff.

Fans can follow the Colts’ offseason activities and Towt’s progress on the team’s official website, ESPN’s Colts page, and through various social media channels. The team’s training camp is scheduled to begin in late July, providing fans with their first live look at the 2026 Colts.

What do you think of the Colts’ decision to sign Carson Towt? Share your thoughts in the comments below.