Veteran Safety Zachman Seeks Success at Indiana

After six years at Wisconsin, 25-year-old Preston Zachman joins Indiana's defense with a wealth of experience.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the abstract movements and energy of a college football safety making a play, with the player's identity obscured into geometric shapes and planes of Indiana's crimson and cream colors.Zachman's wealth of experience will be a key asset for Indiana's defense as they seek to defend their national title.Elysburg Today

Preston Zachman, a 25-year-old safety, is entering his seventh season of college football after spending six years at Wisconsin. He has seen significant changes in the college sports landscape, from the introduction of NIL to the expansion of the Big Ten. Zachman is now looking to use his extensive experience to contribute to Indiana's defense as they aim for another successful season.

Why it matters

Zachman's unique situation as a seventh-year player provides Indiana with a veteran presence on their defense. His experience and knowledge of the game could be valuable assets as the Hoosiers seek to build on their recent success and potentially defend their national championship title.

The details

Zachman was part of the 2020 high school recruiting class and began his college career at Wisconsin. He played in just one game during the COVID-affected 2020 season, and then redshirted in 2021 without appearing in a game. Over the next three seasons, Zachman played in 31 games with 17 starts for the Badgers. In 2025, he missed the final nine games due to a left leg injury, which ultimately led to him receiving a medical redshirt and a seventh year of eligibility. Zachman then decided to transfer to Indiana, where he is reunited with former Wisconsin teammate and current Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski.

  • Zachman will take the field for Indiana on September 5, 2026 against North Texas, beginning his seventh season of college football.
  • In 2023, Zachman's Wisconsin team was defeated by Indiana, marking the last win of the Tom Allen era at Indiana.
  • In 2025, Zachman missed the matchup between Wisconsin and Indiana due to a left leg injury that forced him to miss the final nine games of the season.

The players

Preston Zachman

A 25-year-old safety who is entering his seventh season of college football after spending six years at Wisconsin. He is now joining the Indiana Hoosiers defense.

Riley Nowakowski

Indiana's national title-winning tight end, who was crucial in Zachman's decision to transfer to Indiana.

Bob Bostad

The current offensive line coach at Indiana, who was part of Zachman's recruitment at Wisconsin.

Amare Ferrell

A fellow safety at Indiana who has praised Zachman's ability to quickly pick up the defensive scheme due to his extensive experience.

Byron Baldwin Jr.

A safety at Indiana who is five years younger than the 25-year-old Zachman.

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What they’re saying

“I have a lot of experience. I've seen a lot of things, played a lot of different positions … I think I kind of bring the knowledge side to the game. A little bit of savviness.”

— Preston Zachman, Safety

“Once the portal opened, I was talking with him and just kind of getting some insight from him, just being a close friend. I knew he'd be honest with me about just what this place was like and everything like that … he was a lot of help getting me here.”

— Preston Zachman, Safety

“The experience I have, it makes it real easy for us to communicate out there and just always be on the same page.”

— Preston Zachman, Safety

“Zachman has been able 'to pick up on things a lot quicker than a lot of guys that have played in this defense.'”

— Amare Ferrell, Safety

What’s next

Zachman and the Indiana Hoosiers will open their 2026 season on September 5th against North Texas, where the veteran safety will look to make an immediate impact on the defense.

The takeaway

Preston Zachman's extensive college football experience, spanning seven seasons, could provide a significant boost to Indiana's defense as they aim to build on their recent success and potentially defend their national championship title. His wealth of knowledge and ability to quickly adapt to new schemes could make him a valuable asset for the Hoosiers.