Star defensive end returning to Indiana thanks to injunction ruling

The 2026-27 campaign is right around the corner as the defending champion Indiana Hoosiers aim for another big year under head coach Curt Cignetti. Just weeks before the start of the season, the program received great news regarding a star defensive end and his availability.

Reports indicate that Stephen Daley will play for Indiana this coming season, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. He returns for his fifth year of college football after an injunction ruling gave him the green light.

“Sources: Indiana star defensive lineman Stephen Daley will return to the Hoosiers for his fifth year,” Thamel reported. “He led Indiana in TFLs last year with 19.0 and also added 5.5 sacks, and his addition looms as a significant boost to a talented and deep Indiana defensive front group.”

After playing a key role for the Hoosiers last season, Daley was unable to play in the College Football Playoff due to a knee injury, per Thamel. That injury also affected his chances of signing with an NFL franchise this offseason. After a district court ruling in Colorado, Daley was officially cleared to play with Indiana for one more year.

“Daley missed the College Football Playoff with a knee injury, which prevented him from being signed to an NFL roster. He’s been cleared by Indiana officials, as he’s set to be eligible for his fifth and final year in the wake of the district court ruling in Colorado,” Thamel said. “He’s a Kent State transfer who spent 2025 with Indiana.”

Stephen Daley’s 19.0 tackles for loss led the Big Ten. On top of his 5.5 sacks, he also recorded 38 combined tackles (26 solo) and two forced fumbles. He proved to be a reliable asset in Curt Cignetti’s defense after playing his first three years of college football at Kent State.

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