Sports

Indiana WR Demonstrates Strong Character With Sportsmanlike Act After Disrespecting Ohio State

#Indiana Hoosiers
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USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Indiana WR Charlie Becker speaks to Ohio State players after a loss.


The Indiana football team fell to Ohio State on Saturday afternoon in Bloomington, 19-15. They were inches away from pulling off a massive upset over the Buckeyes.

After the game, wide receiver Charlie Becker demonstrated strong character with a sportsmanlike act. He apologized to Ryan Day for disrespecting his program.

It was a gesture that probably wasn’t necessary. He went out of his way to find Day and speak to him face-to-face.

Charlie Becker disrespected Ohio State.

Indiana beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game last year on their way to a national title. After the win, Becker mocked the Buckeyes.

The wide receiver’s family has ties to Ohio State. Becker’s dad played college football in Columbus. It was Charlie’s dream school.

“We were die-hard. We had Ohio State posters up. You name it, we had it. Every Saturday, we’d be sitting down, watching Ohio State play ball, kicking everybody’s butts. That was a dream: to play for them or play against them.”

-Charlie Becker

His chance to play for the Buckeyes never came. He was not extended an offer. Ohio State didn’t recruit him despite his being a legacy. He took it personally.

Becker was given an opportunity to play in the Big Ten at Indiana. He shined as a sophomore, hauling in 34 catches for 679 yards. He was one of Fernando Mendoza’s most reliable targets.

This year, he’s already re-written his personal bests. Becker has 39 receptions, 694 yards, and eight scores through seven games. He was incredible against Ohio State on Saturday.

Becker caught nine passes for 165 yards. Unfortunately, his team came up just short. A game-winning touchdown pass fell incomplete. It was crushing.

Despite the heartbreaking fashion of the loss, Becker was all class. He made sure to find Ryan Day to apologize.

Indiana football player demonstrates strong character.

Charlie Becker could’ve exited the field without speaking to the Ohio State head coach. No one would’ve blamed him. Instead, he opted to seek Day out.

A conversation between the two was recorded on the field. The wide receiver issued an apology.

“That was uncharacteristic of me,” he said of his 2025 disrespect. “I’ve been thinking a lot about it and I’m sorry to you and Ohio State.”

The previous disrespect was made after an emotional win over a team Becker believes overlooked his talents. The jab has apparently been weighing on him.

He made it right with his apology on Saturday, which came under circumstances less than ideal. The loss didn’t stop Becker from putting his character on display. Both sides can now put the moment behind them.