Indiana Football Freshman Safety Baldwin Out For Season Opener Vs Old Dominion

Indiana's football team will open its 2025 season against Old Dominion University without true freshman safety Byron Baldwin Jr., who is listed as "out" on the Big Ten availability report. Baldwin, a highly rated four-star recruit and the top player in Indiana's 2025 class, was expected to contribute significantly to the secondary, especially given the uncertain eligibility status of sixth-year senior Louis Moore, who currently has a temporary restraining order allowing him to play the first two games. Head coach Curt Cignetti has acknowledged depth concerns across the roster, emphasizing the need for health to maintain the team's competitiveness after an 11-2 record last season. Teammates and coaches have praised Baldwin's potential and work ethic, viewing him as a key future contributor, but his season debut will be delayed. Indiana's secondary will rely on Moore, Amare Ferrell, Devan Boykin, and others, while Baldwin's absence highlights the defensive backfield's fragility. The Hoosiers and Monarchs will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.