Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti publicly criticized incoming transfer Nick Marsh for wearing gold cleats during the team’s first spring practice on Thursday. Marsh, a wide receiver who transferred from Michigan State, arrived in the non-team-approved footwear, prompting Cignetti to address the issue before practice began.
Marsh’s cleats and Cignetti’s response
Cignetti stated, "I didn’t love those gold shoes he came out in today. He learned what getting your a-- ripped is all about. I don’t know if that happened to him very often at Michigan State." Despite the criticism, Cignetti later praised Marsh’s work ethic, saying, "He’s really worked hard [and] done a great job for us."
Marsh’s background and Indiana’s expectations
Marsh, who recorded 1,311 receiving yards and nine touchdowns at Michigan State, will wear No. 11 for Indiana, a number previously worn by Antwaan Randle El. Cignetti noted that the team has "more work to do with this group" as players adjust to new roles and expectations. Indiana, which went 16-0 en route to its first national championship last season, is integrating several transfers, including quarterback Josh Hoover.
Marsh’s early performance
Despite the initial cleat controversy, Marsh quickly adapted, showcasing chemistry with Hoover in practice drills. Clips showed Marsh making a one-handed catch and tracking a deep ball effectively. He will replace production lost by wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.