3-Star Offensive Lineman Ben Novak Flips from Wisconsin to Indiana: What It Means

Three-star interior offensive lineman Ben Novak flipped his commitment from Wisconsin to Indiana on Wednesday.

Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti walks off the field following the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

If you thought things couldn't get any better for Curt Cignetti and the Indiana football team, you thought wrong. Not only are the Hoosiers undefeated (11-0), ranked No. 2 in the country, and practically a lock for the College Football Playoff, but they also flipped in-state recruit Ben Novak on Wednesday.

The three-star interior offensive lineman committed to Wisconsin on Oct. 7, 2024, but on Wednesday, Novak announced he will be staying home and playing at IU next year.

In-state 2026 OL Ben Novak (Merrillville, Ind.) has flipped his commitment from Wisconsin to Indiana, he reported on Instagram. #iufb pic.twitter.com/QHAuzDrUgi

— Mike Schumann @ The Daily Hoosier (@daily_hoosier) November 19, 2025

Ben Novak's background

The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder is a senior at Indiana powerhouse Andrean High School, which produces top-end recruits year after year, such as Notre Dame star linebacker Drayk Bowen. Novak's Fighting 59ers are a perfect 13-0 and two wins away from another state title.

Novak had 10 scholarship offers before picking Indiana and has been a consistent force for Andrean over the last couple of seasons. Novak is the 75th ranked interior offensive lineman in the nation and the 16th ranked player out of Indiana, per 247 Sports, and is also the sixth in-state recruit to pick IU.

Ben Novak's scouting report

Novak is projected as an interior offensive lineman at the college level, but he can also play tackle. And based on his height, length, and overall frame, I tend to agree with him.

Is there a chance Novak begins his college career as a center or guard? Yes. But it's also quite possible that he moves outside to tackle when he's an upperclassman.

Novak might have to wait a couple of years before he solidifies himself as a starter, but considering he plays at a prestigious program like Andrean and is athletic enough to potentially play all five positions on the offensive line, it wouldn't surprise me if he gets meaningful snaps at IU midway through his sophomore year.

What Ben Novak's committment means for IU

A lot. Not only does it keep Novak from going to another Big Ten program, but it gives the Hoosiers more depth at a position you can never have too much depth at.

But let's be honest, this isn't all that shocking. No college program is on the rise more than the Hoosiers, and the Badgers aren't exactly a team trending in the right direction.

It's hard to get too excited during the bye week, but this is something that should make Hoosiers fans a little bit happier till next week's game against rival Purdue.