Milwaukeean, former UW player Nowakowski scores TD in CFP title game

Riley Nowakowski's decision to leave the University of Wisconsin ended in the end zone in the national championship game on Monday night, Jan. 19.

The Indiana fullback scored the lone touchdown in the first half of the College Football Playoff final against Miami, helping the Hoosiers take a 10-0 lead at the break in Miami. The Marquette University High School alumnus and longtime Badger carried the ball just once before this season, resulting in a touchdown against his former team Nov. 15.

Nowakowski also has 30 catches this seaon for 370 yards and two scores, a quality role player on a team that came into the championship game with an undefeated record.

NOWAKOWSKI PUNCHES IT IN

TOUCHDAHN INDIANA HOOSIERS#PMSBigCollegeGamepic.twitter.com/yjY34dk1xr

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 20, 2026

Nowakowski already has his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from UW. He played in 40 games at linebacker, fullback and tight end for UW from 2020-24. After leaving for one last season elsewhere, he became a second-team All-Big Ten (media) performer this year, earning a third-team nod from the league's coaches.

His 1-yard run with 6:44 to go in the second quarter Monday spotted Indiana a double-digit lead. Indiana thought had it a touchdown three snaps earlier, a score overturned on replay, and then the Hoosiers faced 3rd and 1 from the goal line.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukeean, former UW player Nowakowski scores TD in CFP title game