Caden Curry, a defensive end who grew up near Lucas Oil Stadium, was selected at pick No. 214 in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, according to a May 1 announcement. Before joining the Colts, Curry played for Center Grove High School and later for Ohio State University.
Curry’s selection is significant as it marks his return to his hometown stadium, where he previously competed both as a high school player and as an Ohio State Buckeye. His high school coach Eric Moore said, “Three of his best games of his life have been at Lucas Oil Stadium. So, he gets to play in there eight, nine times a year. That could be interesting.”
During his time at Center Grove High School under Moore’s leadership, Curry helped secure two state championships held at Lucas Oil Stadium. In those championship games, he made nine tackles and defended one pass. As a Buckeye returning to the same stadium for the Big Ten Championship Game in 2025, Curry recorded seven tackles including three tackles for loss and two sacks.
Curry is now the third alumnus from Center Grove High School to be drafted into the National Football League (NFL), following Austin Booker who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2024. Reflecting on seeing former players reach professional football, Moore said of watching them get drafted: “I cried like a baby every time. If you’ve known them since second grade, you’ve known that this is what their goal was.” He added about coaching successful athletes: “You don’t have to coach them a lot,” he said. “They know what to do and they follow the lead of the coach.”
Moore also emphasized pride in what his athletes achieve off the field: “They’re excellent young men,” he said. “I hope they’re healthy and they’re great husbands and fathers, and then they excel and end up being super football players.” Looking ahead to Curry’s future with Indianapolis Colts just down the road from Greenwood where Moore coaches today, Moore concluded: “I just hope the Colts give him a chance to earn his due because there’s so much he can do for the football team,” Moore said. “That’s serious fun for everybody down here on the south side.”
