Ranking the Top Candidates to be the Guest Picker for Indiana vs Washington

1. Lilly King

Everyone knows basketball is a big deal in Indiana and at Indiana University, but it is far from the only sport with a rich tradition in the state. Swimming is very popular in Indiana and at IU, something the nation got a glimpse of during the United States Olympic Swimming Trials. One of Indiana’s most decorated swimmers was the charismatic and very popular Lilly King, the Breaststroke Queen. King was born in Evansville, Indiana, and swept the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke events at the NCAA Championships during all four of her seasons. As a senior, she won the Honda Sports Award as the nation’s best overall female swimmer. King has six Olympic medals for the United States, including three gold medals, and became a national star during her victory over Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova, the favorite in the event, despite serving a 16-month doping suspension. King called out the cheating and beat Efimova in the pool while swimming an Olympic record to win the gold medal. That kind of swagger and confidence fits right in with Cignetti’s demeanor, and King continues to be adored by IU fans.

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4. Antwaan Randle El

Speaking of the past, let’s not forget that Indiana University has had singular talents and incredible players on the gridiron before. One of the best players Bloomington has ever seen was quarterback Antwaan Randle El. Randle El made his debut in 1998 and quickly showcased his special ability. He became the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1998 and then a three-time All-Big Ten player. Randle El was the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player in 2001, earned All-America honors, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Randle El became a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a Super Bowl Champion. He is now the wide receivers coach for the Detroit Lions. The Lions play at home on Sunday, so getting to Bloomington on Saturday morning and returning to Detroit would not be an issue.

3. Joe Buck

If you have watched Monday Night Football recently, you know that Joe Buck is a Hoosier. Buck is a native of St. Louis, but he went to Indiana University. Buck did not graduate from college. He dropped out after three and a half years after the St. Louis Cardinals offered him a job calling games for their minor-league affiliate, the Redbirds. Buck knew that was what he wanted and correctly saw no point in finishing his degree. He was later granted an Honorary Doctorate by Indiana University and has followed the football program with great interest as Curt Cignetti’s team has risen. Buck has previously shouted out the program on Monday Night Football and jibed Troy Aikman when the Hoosiers swatted down UCLA earlier this season. Buck works for ESPN and would be comfortable in the Game Day setting in front of a crowd of Hoosier fans.

2. Kyle Schwarber

Kyle Schwarber is the current left fielder and designated hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies, but before starring in the MLB, Schwarber was a fantastic player for the Indiana Hoosiers. Schwarber was a freshman All-American and then a First-Team All-American. He helped lead Indiana to their best success on the diamond and was an incredibly popular figure in Bloomington before winning a World Series with the Chicago Cubs. Schwarber has a great personality and would likely relish being in front of a big crowd and playing off of Pat McAfee.

1. Lilly King

Everyone knows basketball is a big deal in Indiana and at Indiana University, but it is far from the only sport with a rich tradition in the state. Swimming is very popular in Indiana and at IU, something the nation got a glimpse of during the United States Olympic Swimming Trials. One of Indiana’s most decorated swimmers was the charismatic and very popular Lilly King, the Breaststroke Queen. King was born in Evansville, Indiana, and swept the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke events at the NCAA Championships during all four of her seasons. As a senior, she won the Honda Sports Award as the nation’s best overall female swimmer. King has six Olympic medals for the United States, including three gold medals, and became a national star during her victory over Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova, the favorite in the event, despite serving a 16-month doping suspension. King called out the cheating and beat Efimova in the pool while swimming an Olympic record to win the gold medal. That kind of swagger and confidence fits right in with Cignetti’s demeanor, and King continues to be adored by IU fans.

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