March Madness always brings surprises. There are Cinderella stories, breakout stars from smaller programs, and every so often, a rugged forward whose frame and toughness spark NFL interest.
That is where Carson Towt enters the picture.
The former Notre Dame forward is taking an unusual path after college basketball, signing with the Indianapolis Colts as a tight end despite never playing football. It is the kind of move that immediately draws attention because of both the upside and the uncertainty that come with it.
Who Is Carson Towt, and Why Did the Indianapolis Colts Sign Him?
At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, Towt fits the physical mold that NFL teams often look for when they take a chance on basketball players. His size, rebounding ability, and willingness to play through contact give him traits that could translate to the next level.
According to the Colts’ official announcement, Towt signed with Indianapolis as a free agent tight end after finishing his basketball career at Notre Dame.
Before arriving at Notre Dame, Towt built a strong résumé at Northern Arizona. He set the Big Sky single-season rebounding record with 423 rebounds and posted 20 double-doubles during the 2024-25 season. That kind of production speaks to his motor, toughness, and physical presence around the basket.
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Those same traits are likely what the Colts see in this move. Tight end is one of the few positions where a basketball background can still create intrigue, especially when a player brings Towt’s size and ability to track the ball in traffic.
The transition, of course, is far from easy. Learning route concepts, blocking technique, and NFL terminology is a completely different challenge from playing power forward. Raw athleticism can open the door, but it does not guarantee anything once a player gets into an NFL building.
Still, there is real history behind this type of gamble. The Indianapolis Colts have already seen it work with Mo Alie-Cox, who went from VCU basketball to becoming a productive NFL tight end. Other examples include NFL Hall of Famer and former Kent State Star Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, Rico Gathers, and, most recently, former Utah, BYU, and Baylor Forward Caleb Lohner, now a Denver Broncos tight end.
That is what makes Towt such an interesting name to watch. This is a low-risk move for Indianapolis, but the upside is obvious. If his physical tools and competitive edge carry over, Towt could give himself a real chance to stick. History says the path is difficult, but not impossible.
