Inside the Hall logo

IU football defensive lineman Stephen Daley returning for the 2026 season

 

Photos from IU football's 56-3 win against Purdue.

IU football defensive lineman Stephen Daley will return to the Hoosiers for the 2026 season following a court ruling late last week in Colorado.

According to ESPN.com’s Pete Thamel, IU officials have cleared Daley to return to the program for his 5th season of eligibility.

The 6-foot-1, 273-pound Daley played in 13 games for IU last season, including six starts. He transferred to IU from Kent State before the 2025 season.

An All-Big Ten honorable mention selection last season, Daley led the Hoosiers with 19 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

He missed the College Football Playoff after suffering an injury during the celebration after the Big Ten championship game win against Ohio State at Lucas Oil Stadium.

His return bolsters an already stout defensive line that will again be among the nation’s best this fall. The Hoosiers return Tyrique Tucker, Mario Landino and Daniel Ndukwe and added a pair of impact transfers in Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor.

See More: Football