Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti speaks on Stephen Daley’s return

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Indiana football got some great news on Tuesday regarding defensive lineman Stephen Daley.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report that Daley would be returning to Indiana for a fifth season after a recent ruling from Colorado Judge Charlotte Sweeney that granted players in the class of 2022 another year of eligibility.

Daley led the Hoosiers in tackles for loss last year with 19 and also finished the season with 35 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

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Daley spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career with the Kent State Golden Flashes before playing for the Hoosiers last season. In four seasons, Daley compiled 138 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes defended, and one interception. He’ll now get to add to those numbers during the 2026 season, which is set to start this month.

Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti was asked about Daley by the media on Wednesday and really hopes that this will all work out.

“If it all works out and he can participate and help this football team, then his life could change. I know one thing about him: he’ll give it his best shot; he really will, and we’ll just see what happens,” Cignetti said.

Daley’s return helps the Hoosiers’ defense even more this season, even though the unit was already expected to be one of the best in the country.

The Hoosiers will open the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against the North Texas Mean Green. Kickoff will be at noon ET on FOX.

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