Indiana football suffered a major loss during the postgame celebration following its 13-10 win over Ohio State Saturday.
Edge rusher Stephen Daley suffered a serious lower body injury that “will probably make him not available for the remainder of the season,” coach Curt Cignetti said via Zoom on Wednesday.
Cignetti described the situation as “kind of unbelievable.” He had remarked Sunday no players suffered injuries during the Ohio State game that would keep them out of the College Football Playoff, but he was still processing this unique situation and awaiting further medical feedback.
Photos and videos emerged over the last couple days of Daley appearing to suffer a leg injury and then receiving medical treatment. One photo showed his leg immobilized as Daley was being carted off the field while his teammates were celebrating.
Daley appeared to suffer the injury as he was high-fiving fans seated in the front row of one of the end zones.
Really hope Indiana’s Stephen Daley is ok…
Hate to see this pic.twitter.com/6syXpNCQWe
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 9, 2025
After transferring in from Kent State during the offseason, Daley became one of Indiana’s most valuable defensive players as the 2025 season progressed. He was rotating early in the season but saw his role progress over time, especially when starter Kellan Wyatt went down with a season-ending injury.
Through the end of the regular season, Daley led the Big Ten and was tied for the national lead in tackles for loss. He currently has 19 tackles for loss to go with 41 quarterback pressures, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He had 10 tackles for loss over the last three games of the regular season.
With both Wyatt and Daley now out, Indiana will likely turn to sophomore edge Daniel Ndukwe for a greater role. He has played 104 snaps this year. The Hoosiers could also bump Mario Landino back outside where he has some experience.
Indiana will have a few weeks to figure out its plan of attack. The Hoosiers return to the field on Jan. 1 against either Oklahoma or Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal round at The Rose Bowl.
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