Playing football at the next level has been a goal of McKale Bottles for as long as he can remember. Staying on track, Bottles is ready to make an impact at the next level with the announcement that he will continue his football and academic careers at the University of Indianapolis.
Bottles made the move official Wednesday afternoon with a signing ceremony at West Noble High School, surrounded by a host of family members as well as a bulk of current and past football teammates and coaches.
“So going into this decision, having these guys behind my back has been a big thing for me,” Bottles said. “Playing football with them has grown a bond between all of us and more of a family aspect. That’s what has led to a lot of the success we had these past four years. Playing as a team, not playing selfishly, and having their support in this process was a big part of this.”
Added Bottles of the transition from Ligonier to Indianapolis, “I know a lot of the guys down there are a lot bigger than I am used to, but with that, comes the ability to adapt in a way by using my speed.”
The Greyhounds are getting a standout on both sides of the ball, but will likely focus Bottles on the defensive side, where he likely slots in as a nickel linebacker.
A standout defensive athlete, Bottles was third on the Chargers with 50 solo and 28 assisted tackles, while adding 6.5 sacks and two interceptions. A hybrid tight end/slot receiver, Bottles also led the Chargers with 38 catches for 470 yards and five touchdowns while chipping in 62 rushing yards and another score.
Bottles was a senior leader for what became the winningest class in West Noble football history, racking up 36 wins in four years with a pair of NECC titles in 2023 and 2025.
Bottles, a Co-MVP for the Chargers this past season, was also named All-NECC and additionally was tabbed as an Academic All-State from the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
Academically, Bottles is near the top of his graduating class, and made the choice to play football at UIndy congruently with his ambition to get into the medical field. It’s not often to hear football linebacker who also wants to be an anesthesiologist.
“To go along with the football aspect of things, I would like to pursue a career in the medical field and there are great internship opportunities down there,” offered Bottles. “You can go to places like Eli Lilly or places like that to get an opportunity.”
The Greyhounds are coming off an 11-2 season this past fall under the guidance of head coach Chris Keevers, their season ending in the Division II playoffs in a loss to Minnesota State. UIndy has made the D-II playoffs in each of the past four seasons.
Bottles was part of the Greyhounds 2026 National Signing Day, where 53 athletes are listed to have joined the roster. Locally, there is one other Noble County product on roster in East Noble’s Logan Hatton, who will be a redshirt freshman defensive back this upcoming season.