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6-Banner Sunday: Court ruling sets up the return of Sam Alexis, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt

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Photos of IU basketball's win against Incarnate Word at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, where we highlight the five most essential IU sports stories of the past week. 6-Banner Sunday is written by Ari Shifron.

As has happened many times recently, the NCAA lost a court battle regarding player eligibility. This was to Indiana’s benefit as it allowed three key contributors to return to IU across football and men’s basketball.

Also, we look ahead to Big Ten basketball and the current Indiana football squad is preparing for its upcoming fall season with the start of fall camp. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by volleyball taking part in its Big Ten media day.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Sam Alexis says he’s returning to IU for the 2026-27 season
• Kellan Wyatt and Stephen Daley returning for 2026 IU football season
• Big Ten basketball rosters for the 2026-27 season, IU basketball summer recap
• Fall camp begins for IU football
• Back Home Network shows
• Hoosier Roundup

Banner #1 – Sam Alexis says he’s returning to IU for the 2026-27 season

IU basketball received a surprise addition for the 2026-2027 season at a position of need. Sam Alexis was among those fighting for an additional year of eligibility after the 2022 high school class was not grandfathered into new NCAA rules allowing five seasons of play with no more appeals or redshirts.

However, a judge ruled that the eligibility changes must take effect immediately and granted Alexis and others the ability to play in 2026-2027. Alexis then made it known he will choose to play for IU, which had an open scholarship.

This is an important development for a squad that has two proven frontcourt players coming in from the transfer portal in Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu. While this solidifies the starting five, a backup big man was needed and Alexis fills that role.

Alexis averaged 8.8 points a game last year and was forced to play a larger role than expected due to the lack of options at center for Indiana. However, as a backup, he should fit right in and give the Hoosiers the depth up front they need.

Also, Alexis gives the team a second scholarship player returning from the 2025-2026 roster. He joins rising sophomore Trent Sisley, who showed promise last year.

Banner #2 – Kellan Wyatt and Stephen Daley returning for 2026 IU football season

As it turns out, Alexis was not the only Hoosier to benefit from the above court decision. While he was the lone IU player on the hardwood to use this to his advantage, the gridiron players benefit as well from the judge’s ruling.

As a result, IU football’s already elite defense got a boost with two of last year’s stars announcing their return. This came in the form of defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, who played a major part in IU’s success last fall.

Banner #3 – Big Ten basketball rosters for the 2026-27 season, IU basketball summer recap

The Hoosiers are not the only ones to see mass turnover on their basketball roster. Most other Big Ten schools also will see huge changes to their personnel.

However, Indiana has a leg up on their conference rivals by being able to develop chemistry with their recent competition at the FISU American Games in Peru.

Banner #4 – Fall camp begins for IU football

Proving Indiana is once again a legitimate championship contender will take place on the field beginning next month. The Hoosiers are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best in college football.

With expectations so high, Indiana began fall practice for the upcoming season. The program also held media availability as the preparation for the season opener next month continues.

Banner #5 – Back Home Network shows

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Banner #6 – Hoosier Roundup

• Volleyball took part in Big Ten Media Day last week. Also, the TV schedule was revealed as the season begins soon.

• Men’s soccer announced a sponsorship with IU Credit Union. Also, the squad opens the preseason, and its television schedule was announced.

• Women’s soccer announced new titles for all three assistant coaches and had a trio of players honored by the Big Ten.

• Men’s and women’s golf released their schedule for this upcoming year.

• Water polo is moving back to the CWPA conference for 2028 after a stint in the MPSF.

• IU athletics as a whole announced a sponsorship agreement with Merchants Bank.

Thanks for your continued support of The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.

Now go enjoy yourself a 6-Banner Sunday.

Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor

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