GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest men's basketball enters the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations after making school history a year ago, capturing its first-ever Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) co-regular season title. Under head coach
Javier Heridia, the RedHawks continue to rise as one of the NAIA's most competitive programs, building on a foundation of discipline, defense, and depth.
IU Northwest opens the new campaign Monday, Oct. 28, on the road at Indiana Tech before returning home for the RedHawk Classic on Nov. 7-8 inside the Savannah Center, featuring a White Out game against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
The RedHawks return a strong veteran core led by
Caleb Jenkins (power forward),
Trey Steinhilber (point guard),
Adam Eastland (point guard), and
Ladaion Barnes (guard). Jenkins and Barnes each played key roles in last season's championship run, starting in a majority of games and providing consistent production on both ends of the floor. Steinhilber and Eastland return as steady floor generals, adding leadership and poise to the RedHawks' up-tempo offense.
"This group knows what it takes to compete for championships," Heridia said. "They've experienced what it feels like to make history, and now their focus is on sustaining that level of success. Our returners have embraced that challenge, and the new players coming in have only raised the standard."
The 2025-26 roster features several impact newcomers ready to contribute immediately.
Matthew Hoarde, an All-Region honoree and JUCO All-American from Milwaukee Tech, brings scoring ability and length on the wing.
Jamie Hodges, a graduate of Michigan City High School and the program's all-time leading scorer, returns to the court after a hiatus. A four-time All-Duneland Conference selection and former Conference Player of the Year, Hodges adds experience and offensive firepower.
Amarion Johnson, a transfer from Moraine Valley Community College, adds size and rim protection after leading the nation in shot blocks last season while earning back-to-back All-Conference honors.
Antonio Phillips, a two-time All-Conference and All-Region guard from Prairie State College, provides additional depth and quickness to the backcourt rotation.
IU Northwest's schedule features 13 home contests, highlighted by key CCAC matchups with Olivet Nazarene, Saint Xavier, Roosevelt, and St. Ambrose. The RedHawks will also hit the road for tests against Cardinal Stritch and Holy Cross, continuing to challenge themselves in one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA.
Fans can follow IU Northwest men's basketball throughout the 2025-26 season at iunredhawks.com and on social media at @iun_mensbasketball.
