Overview
- The Hoosiers announced defensive lineman Stephen Daley will rejoin Indiana for a fifth college season after a federal injunction opened eligibility for the high-school class of 2022.
- U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued the preliminary injunction on Aug. 4 that allowed some 2022 recruits an extra year of eligibility under the NCAA’s five-for-five policy and the NCAA has appealed that decision.
- Indiana medical staff have cleared Daley to play after a knee injury cost him the College Football Playoff and hampered his NFL prospects this offseason.
- Daley led the Big Ten in 2025 with 19.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, and coaches say his return strengthens Indiana’s defensive front ahead of the title defense even as fall camp rosters are largely set.
- The ruling has provoked public criticism about older returning players and could prompt roster and scholarship adjustments for programs if the injunction is upheld or overturned.