The University of Indianapolis football team kicked off their 2026 season with a victory over the Marian University Knights on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Key Stadium. The final score was 39-7.
For the second consecutive year, the Greyhounds and Knights have competed in the “Monumental Matchup:” a crosstown rivalry to start off football season, according to UIndy 360. The game’s official attendance was 5,274, UIndy’s highest-attended home opener since 2019, according to UIndy Athletics. Thankfully, the Hounds did not disappoint their fans.
A defining factor of this big win was strong offensive performances from key players such as running back Garrett Sherrell and quarterback Nick Patterson. Sherrell led the Hounds in rushing yards and touchdowns, gaining 106 yards and scoring 2 TDs, according to UIndy Athletics.
Despite having to follow an impressive predecessor, Gavin Sukup, Patterson did not let the pressure get to him. Patterson was 15-for-22 passing and he scored a rushing touchdown, according to UIndy Athletics. The Hounds offense had over 250 rushing yards total.
After allowing a touchdown within the first few minutes of the game, the Hounds defense focused up and did not let the Knights score for the next 54 minutes. Jerrell Franklin Jr., Eli Liapis and Alvin Contreras were all key defenders for UIndy, leading the team with seven tackles each, according to UIndy athletics. Dontay Fort also gave a solid performance with two sacks.
In addition to the game itself, UIndy and Marian worked together to collect donations for flood victims according to the dailyjournal.net. Collection bins were located inside the entrance gates for products such as bottled water, clothing, towels, tarps, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, etc. According to the dailyjournal.net, donations are being delivered to a city drop-off site.
The Greyhounds and Knights have met a total of four times, with the series now tied at 2 games a piece. The Greyhounds will take on the University of Findlay Oilers next on Saturday Sept. 5th.
