Indiana star defender likely out for CFP, per Curt Cignetti
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Curt Cignetti had rough news to pass along on Wednesday. Indiana expects to be without star defensive lineman Stephen Daley in the postseason.
Cignetti confirmed that Daley is dealing with a serious injury.
Cignetti asked about Stephen Daley: "I can confirm that (he's injured)." Daley got imaging Sunday and evaluation Monday.
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 10, 2025
Daley's injury is "serious" and "will probably make him not available for the remainder of the season."#iufb
Daley’s injury is believed to have occurred after Indiana’s win in the Big Ten Championship Game. Video shows him dealing with an apparent injury while making his way around the stadium to celebrate with Hoosier fans.
Really hope Indiana’s Stephen Daley is ok…
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 9, 2025
Hate to see this pic.twitter.com/6syXpNCQWe
Daley is a significant loss for Indiana as the undefeated Hoosiers try to win the College Football Playoff. Daley is second in the nation in tackles for loss with 19 on the season. He has 38 total tackles on the season, with 5.5 sacks.
Indiana is the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers have a first-round bye and will next play in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl against either Alabama or Oklahoma on Jan. 1.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.