The Hoosiers get unexpected news before postseason.
Indiana DL Stephen Daley likely out for CFP after 'freak accident' during Big Ten title celebration originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Indiana suffered a significant blow ahead of its first College Football Playoff appearance.
Hoosiers defensive lineman Stephen Daley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following what head coach Curt Cignetti called a “serious” postgame injury.
Daley was celebrating on the field after the 13-10 win over Ohio State when he jumped and awkwardly planted on the turf. He l's one of the nation’s most disruptive defenders and a difference maker for Indiana.
Not confirming anything… but this clip might explain a lot 😔👇#iufb#CFBPlayoff#Big10Championship#hoosiershttps://t.co/JVMGaYluFXpic.twitter.com/5mwBdTCCor
— Luke Versichelli (@Lversichelli) December 9, 2025
The junior was seen limping toward the injury tent after what multiple team sources described as a "freak incident" while he walked the perimeter of the stadium.
“I can confirm … Stephen Daley did sustain a serious injury that will probably make him not available for the remainder of the season,” Cignetti said via On3 Wednesday. He added that he didn’t learn of the injury until nearly an hour after the game. “Sunday was still sort of waiting a little bit on images to come back … it was sort of unbelievable when I heard about it.”
Daley has been at the center of Indiana’s defensive surge, ranking second nationally with 19 tackles for loss and adding 5.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. His emergence followed the season-ending injury to Kellen Wyatt, giving the Hoosiers a dynamic edge presence down the stretch.
Indiana will now lean heavily on All-American Mikail Kamara, along with Daniel Ndukwe and versatile lineman Mario Landino, as it prepares to face the winner of No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
More college football news:
Category: General Sports
