With the signing of new head coach Ben Howlett prior to the 2025-2026 season, it seemed as though the Jaguars were turning over a new leaf and working toward getting out of the bottom of the table, but it proved to be yet another challenging season. The team went 7-25 overall, finishing last in the league with a 3-17 conference record. They were also not able to get past the first game of the Horizon League Tournament, which they have yet to do since joining back in 2017.
Despite the rough season, the Jaguars led the league in points per game, averaging 83.5. The high number of points stems from the very aggressive style of play that allows the team to score. Howlett also utilizes The System, which has players full-court pressing each possession, whether the opposing team makes or misses a basket. Defensively, the team struggled significantly. While their high-tempo style helped on offense, it left them vulnerable on the other end of the court. The Jaguars allowed an average of 88.3 points per game to opponents.
In addition to a season that did not go according to plan, the team lost 13 players either to graduation or transfer and only had 2 returning players. The most notable absence was Kyler D’Augustino, who transferred to Ohio University and who led the team with 18.5 points per game. Also absent is playmaking leader Finley Woodward, who was a senior and averaged 6.3 assists per game. Howlett will be working with an entirely new roster, with nine transfers and three freshmen.
“Last season was a learning experience, and I think this new group has really embraced that. Just because we struggled last year doesn’t mean we expect the same outcome this year,” returning player Reese Hagy said. “All of our transfers have come in hungry and have worked incredibly hard to learn the system, while our freshmen have continued to develop and adjust to the speed of the college game. Heading into the season, our goal is to compete and put ourselves in a position to make a run at a championship.”
Howlett will look to have a better season than his first season at IU Indianapolis, and an additional incentive that could help is that the team will play the first game inside the new James T. Morris Arena, which has 4,500 seats.
“It was needed. This arena is perfect for us in terms of size and the arena is right on campus. It’s going to be state-of-the-art, it’s new, and it’s in downtown Indianapolis,” said Howlett. “We want to make this program a winning program and it’s baby steps. We took our slump last year, but we are already starting to see things turn in our favor and that’s part of rebuilding a program.”
Returning Players
Reece Hagy, Sophomore, 6-8, F, Charlottesville, VA, Miller School of Albemarle/Air Force Prep
Coming into his sophomore season, Reece is one of the two returning players and will look to carry a bigger role on the team due to his experience under Howlett. He played 31 games, making 23 starts, averaging 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. As a freshman, he got lots of chances that others don’t always get. He will also look to take on bigger responsibilities. He has the means to help the other players learn The System and has the support of Howlett.
Kameron Tinsley, Junior, 6-6, F, Roanoke, VA, Cave Spring/West Liberty
The only returning player who came with Howlett from West Liberty, Tinsley played 29 games, making five starts, averaging 7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He ranked third on the team in threes, making 47, and blocked 14 shots. Tinsley will look to not only earn a spot on the starting lineup, but improve his numbers.
Incoming Players
Antoine Arnett, Graduate, 6-7, F, Somerdale, N.J., Sterling/PennWest California
Having played at PennWest California for the past four years, Arnett comes to the midwest playing in his final year of eligibility. Last season, he started 30 games, averaging 15 points and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 50 percent from the floor. The high-scoring number fits well with the offense that Howlett has built, and with his experience he can contribute to this high-scoring team.
Pat Curtin, Sophomore, 6-3, G, Ellicott City, Md., Glenelg Country/Bucknell
Coming from Bucknell, Curtin will want to continue the momentum of his freshman season. He played in 27 games, making 19 starts, averaging 12.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He shot 42% from the floor and ranked second on the team in scoring. His ability to rebound will be much needed, as that will not only help on the offensive end but also the defensive end.
Trey Drexler, Freshman, 6-0, G, Brunswick, Ohio, Brunswick HS
One of four freshmen coming onto this team, Dexler has a chance to further develop his skills on a team that scores lots of points, which goes hand in hand with his stats during high school. He averaged 26.5 points per game and 2.9 rebounds. It may be hard to transition from high school to college, but based on information from Hagy, he has adjusted well, and if he can make the transition, then he will be a huge asset to the team on the offensive end.
Projected Starting Roster
Forward – Antoine Arnett, 6-7, GR
Guard – Peyton Heiss, 6-4, JR
Forward – Manasseh Stackhouse, 6-7, SO
Guard – Gus Etchison, 6-0, GR
Forward – Precious Idiaru, 6-10, GR
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