Indianapolis AlleyCats 2026 Season Preview

Indianapolis AlleyCats 2026 Season Preview

Article by Ryan Baker 

2026 Photos & Graphics by Sedrik Sweet of SEDIII Productions

The Indianapolis AlleyCats generated the most offseason buzz, undergoing a full roster and coaching overhaul after a disappointing 2025 season, winning only four games—three against the now-disbanded Detroit Mechanix.  

Fifteen impactful signings and new head coach Nathan Bussberg, promoted from his assistant role last year, headline this revitalized squad. Comparing the 2026 team to the 2025 edition will be difficult due to the influx of talent Bussberg recruited. For reference, the 2025 team ranked sixth-lowest in scoring, fifth-highest in points allowed, third in turnovers, and second-worst in huck percentage.

While previous performance fades entering 2026, Bussberg maintains the attitude that the AlleyCats remain a 4-8 team until they prove otherwise. Furthermore, he recognizes that the team has been a middle of the road team since their successful 2019 season. Success will be elusive if the starting O-line changes every game—a major concern from 2025 that Bussberg is determined to resolve in 2026. Consistency is crucial, especially for a team with so many new faces.

“I don't think it is going to revolve around scheme or strategy,” Bussberg said. It’s going to be how do we handle adversity? Can we get knocked down and stand back up?”

A culture shift is underway at the AlleyCats, as Bussberg stressed the importance of internal competition. He aims to cultivate a mindset where the team’s abundant talent competes fiercely on every point and rep. This focus evolves into a relentless pursuit of victory and a dedication to being excellent teammates.

“If I have to bring energy or bring bulletin board material, I think the team's already lost the mental game,” Bussberg stated. “They have to bring their own energy and bring their own mantras to the games."

 

The Roster

Full Roster Here

Quickly, the notable signings are as follows:

This sample of talent illustrates the depth of Indianapolis’ signings. Yet, every team faces injuries, and Indy is no exception. Mast, North, and Mason are sidelined with lingering issues, delaying their season debuts. The most significant setback is Cole Hyzer’s torn ACL, ending his season. Hyzer was a top producer for Indy last year, tallying 28 assists, 14 goals, and 12 blocks. Hyzer was slotted to be in a high-contribution role for the 2026 season.

“People are going to have to punch up weight classes and play some roles that they're not necessarily supposed to be playing,” said Bussberg.

A deeper look at the roster reveals unquestionable talent. Brock, Wettengel, and Payne were the primary contributors for the AlleyCats in 2023 and 2024, collectively appearing in 58 games and accumulating 87 assists, 97 goals, and 40 blocks. Brock stands as the UFA’s all-time leading scorer.

Key leaders return with Captain Seth Gudeman, Carson Chamberlain, Jason Kempe, and Jack Galle. Gudeman commands respect—when he speaks, the room quiets and ears sharpen. His presence inspired the influx of new signees, and last year he nearly achieved the rare 20-20-20 stat line. Bussberg’s admiration is clear: Gudeman’s leadership carries emotional weight, binding this new group together.

“Personally, my goals center around stepping into the captain role,” Gudeman stated. “Sure, putting up strong numbers would be great, but this team will go as far as our leadership takes it. Bringing together a group of high-level players and aligning everyone toward the same goal—that’s what matters most.”

“I want Seth [Gudeman], who definitely endured a bunch of bullsh*t last year, to have a good time by the end of the year,” Bussberg said. “He kept the lights on for us, so he deserves that. If that were to happen, it would be a successful season in my eyes."

While roles might look slightly different in 2026, Chamberlain, Kempe, and Galle all showed flashes in every aspect of the game. The three combined for 30 assists, 45 goals, and 30 blocks in 2025.

Cubitt and Felton, both former Detroit standouts, anchored the Mechanix and will transition into roles with reduced pressure. Cubitt, despite a dip in production, contributed 20 assists and 13 goals in 2025. Felton previously led the league in assists in 2024 and finished second in 2025. Although turnovers plagued him, the surrounding talent should ease that concern.

Little and Pollard will anchor the AlleyCats’ D-line. Little earned Second Team All-Defensive honors last season with 16 blocks and impressive athleticism, drawing high praise from Bussberg. Pollard, versatile in Philadelphia with Little, shifted last season in Minnesota to a D-line puller, second most in the league, sparking transition offense.

The other guys with UFA experience, Elliot Hawkins, North, Mast, Carter Hawkins, and Branson, will play integral parts on the team when they are able to get on the field (for the first three in that list). Hawkins will be unavailable until his college season ends, but he showed talent in Colorado last year with 10 assists, 10 goals, and 3 blocks in just 4 games.

“I was looking for a bit of a reset,” said Mast. “I love Pittsburgh and my years playing there, and I'm just thankful for the opportunities and connections I made there.”

North’s previous seasons with Indy were nothing short of electric—recording 85 assists and 32 goals in 20 games, his play was thrilling. Mast, seasoned by years in Pittsburgh, remains one of the league’s most reliable handlers; his experience radiates calm confidence, deeply valued by teammates who trust in his emotional steadiness.

  

“I have always enjoyed playing with Indy, and there is structure for success there,” said North. “I think Nathan [Bussberg] has been amazing for the team. He has created a new framework and new energy on the team.”

Carter Hawkins and Branson are two of those group members who will be able to hit the field immediately. Hawkins has three years in the UFA with Indy, his last season being 2024, when he played more of a fill-in role, but he will see an increase in 2026. The case will be the same for Branson as he was a plug-and-play option for Salt Lake last year, but he should see an uptick with Indy this year.

Finally, the rookies—Squires, Mason, and Creed—arrive with extensive high-level experience. Squires joins from London, bringing a high frisbee IQ as the 31-year-old rookie likely to play an offensive role. Mason and Creed, national team athletes for their countries, offer athleticism and will bolster the defense.

  

“He's the young kid that wants to bring loose energy,” Bussberg said on Creed, who they call "Unc." “His online persona doesn’t reflect the level of work he actually puts in. The reality is, he works very, very hard to be as good as he is.”

 

The Schedule

This revamped squad will be challenged immediately with the restructured Central Division. The AlleyCats open with three home games at Kuntz Stadium, where Bussberg has prioritized enhancing the gameday experience. He aims to create an authentic home-field advantage for fans and players alike.

“From the General Manager side of things, we are working really hard on creating a true home-field advantage,” Bussberg stated. “The only advantage we had in years past was not traveling. If we create a good fan experience and a good player experience, we have a real chance at sustained success.”

Those three home games will be against the Madison Radicals, Minnesota Wind Chill, and Chicago Union, respectively. After the homestand, they travel to Sea Foam Stadium, then to Breese Stevens Field for their second matchups with the Wind Chill and Radicals.

“I don't think winning is necessarily the goal for game one,” Bussberg remarked. “I think our goal is to show up and play to our internal expectations, then if we don't, how do we respond to that internal adversity? Externally, I think the pressure is on Indy to perform.”

A return to Kuntz Stadium has them hosting the Union, but the next two games are the kicker of their schedule: a third and fourth game with the Radicals. Playing a team twice in one year is tough, let alone four times. The trend continues as they will face off with the Union for the third time, this time in Chicago.

“Against Madison, if something works in the first half, don’t expect it to work in the second,” Bussberg remarked. “Madison has set the standard that many other teams have modeled their defensive identity after. They’re disciplined, well coached, committed, and never an easy matchup."

The final three games of the season bring new opponents for the AlleyCats: they will host the Thunderbirds, then travel to Pittsburgh the following week for the same matchup. In that same weekend, they will close out their season with a road trip across the Canadian border for a game with the Toronto Rush.

“We’re expecting to play at least 12 games this season, and our mindset is simple: how do we win the very next game? Staying locked in week-to-week is going to be key for us,” said Gudeman.

The path for Indy to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2023 will be tough and a major grind. Three games against the Union, four games against the Radicals, and two games against the “superteam” of the Wind Chill.

“It’s about either believing in each other. And, in the moments of adversity, knowing we will be just fine” Bussberg stated. “You got teams like Minnesota and Madison, who never really lose a game. They just kind of run out of time.”

 

The Game Plan and The Narratives

With all of the buzz around the AlleyCats this year, the narratives and the game plan are going to look significantly different than last season. First off, everyone is putting the AlleyCats as a playoff lock in the Central Division. With the Wind Chill as the favorite and the Union losing a lot of their major players, the two and three seeds seem to be up for grabs. Off talent alone, the outside expectations are that this team should make the playoffs relatively easily.

“As far as narratives, that’s all they really are,” Brock said. “Nobody outside of the organization has any clue what’s happening in Indy. We’ve had more in-person and virtual practices than any other team in the league. We know we’re playing catch-up to some extent because we have new pieces, but everyone is bought into making it work.”

Here’s the thing: in frisbee, you can have all the talent in the world, but if those players aren’t on the same page, games can get out of control versus any team on any day. The synergy of this team will be key to its thriving. The first few games could look a bit rough, but with all of the experience, I expect Bussberg and company to get things ironed out relatively quickly.

How do you get everyone on the same page? Well, it starts with consistency. Consistency of message, consistency of the game plan, and consistency of the personnel.

“Buss has been good at being transparent,” said Mast. “We're all adults, and he'll let you know where you're at from his perspective, what his hesitations are, and so on.

Carter Hawkins, who Bussberg thinks is underappreciated and not talked about enough, Brock, and Felton will be placed primarily on offense. You will also see Galle, Branson, and Chamberlain on that side of the ball a good amount, with the addition of Elliott Hawkins when he joins the team.

“Carter's going to be a focal point on our team this year, and that's been the plan since the jump,” Bussberg stated. “Felton will have to step up on offense because of North's injury, but we trust him to do so." 

 

On the other side of the disc, the defensive group is where most of the bigger names will be placed. The D-line will be run by Gudeman, Pollard, and Payne, the three guys who will pull on nearly every point this season. The other cornerstones will be Little, Kempe, Creed, and Mason (once he returns).

  

“I am most excited to just get out there and play with the guys I have been practicing with for months. We all have something to prove, and we're eager to show that,” said Kempe.

The biggest question will be where Wettengel gets slotted in. It’s very likely we see the young phenom play both ways a ton this season and be used as a sparkplug when either line needs a big play.

For now, the narratives of either disappointment or sky-high expectations for the AlleyCats will stand strong, but come May 9 for their season opener, none of it will matter; top to bottom, this team is on the same page.

“My only personal goal is to contribute to winning,” said Brock.

“I want everyone on this team to know they’re here for a reason,” said Gudeman. “It’s going to take a true ‘next man up’ mentality all season. I checked the UFA site, and we’re still sitting at zero wins—even with all the big names we’ve brought in. That just means we’ll have to earn everything. It’s going to take all of us.”

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