On this edition of the Sideline Sports Show, DC and Brice tackle the major storyline in high school football in Northeast Indiana with the growing uncertainty surrounding the Summit Athletic Conference.
With Carroll and Concordia already set to stop playing conference games in 2026 and 2027, questions are beginning to surface about the future of the SAC. Both programs are expected to be ineligible for the conference championship due to scheduling disparities, and if they are unable to secure non-conference opponents, a temporary return to their matchup remains possible. Additionally, the matchup between Concordia and Homestead could also be in jeopardy.
The IndyStar’s Kyle Neddenriep joins the show to break down the situation, as well as discuss the Indiana High School Athletic Association considering the addition of a shot clock. While many coaches support the move, financial concerns remain a significant hurdle. The conversation also touches on the role of NIL in high school athletics and whether changes are inevitable in Indiana.
The show then shifts to the NFL Draft, where the Indianapolis Colts made some notable moves. After not having a first-round pick due to the November 2025 trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner, the Colts traded back in the second round from pick No. 47 to 53 and selected Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, who is viewed as a potential successor to Zaire Franklin. In the third round, Indianapolis added LSU safety AJ Haulcy, a physical, box-style defender whose game has drawn comparisons to Bob Sanders.
We also highlight several Indiana football players who heard their names called, with the program having a record eight players selected. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, while wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (No. 30) and cornerback De’Angelo Ponds (No. 50) both landed with the New York Jets. Halfback Kaelon Black (No. 90) was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round. On the final day of the draft, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (No. 115) was selected by the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Riley Nowakowski (No. 169) went to the Pittsburgh Steelers, center Pat Coogan (No. 194) landed with the Tennessee Titans, and linebacker Aiden Fisher (No. 243) was taken by the Houston Texans.
From Notre Dame, running back Jeremiyah Love went No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals, followed by fellow running back Jadarian Price to the Seattle Seahawks at the end of the first round. The Fighting Irish had six players drafted, marking the third consecutive year in which they’ve had at least six or more picks under Marcus Freeman.