Indiana fans may have been disappointed to find that the annual preseason Coaches Poll only had them ranked No. 6 in the country. But their spirits will definitely get a boost when they hear the good news about a vital defensive stalwart.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley is set to return to the team for his fifth year with the team thanks to the recent district court ruling in Colorado. Daley led the Big Ten Conference with 19 tackles for loss last season along with 5.5 sacks.
"Sources: Indiana star defensive lineman Stephen Daley will return to the Hoosiers for his fifth year. 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," Thamel reported.
"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. He’s a Kent State transfer who spent 2025 with Indiana."
Another Natty?
While the Hoosiers are obviously going to have to learn how to live without their Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza and some of his top targets, the true strength of Indiana last year was their defense, which allowed just 11.7 points per game last season - good for second in the entire country.
With the return of Daley, Indiana's defense is primed to be just as dangerous in 2026 and fans believe it could be the start of a successful title defense:
"Hoosiers gonna be dangerous again this year," one fan declared.
"Damn… Indiana bout to make another run at a natty," wrote another.
"Indiana’s chances to repeat as National Champs just increased," a third boldly predicted.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
But it takes more than a good defense to run the table and win the national title. Indiana has to figure out quickly if their new offense can pick up exactly where Mendoza and Omar Cooper Jr. left off last year.
Can head coach Curt Cignetti lead Indiana to another big season in 2026?
