The Indiana Hoosiers are already being dealt some bad news after their Big Ten title win over Ohio State. Head coach Curt Cignetti will probably be out of his best pass rusher in Stephen Daley, who sustained an injury in the oddest way possible.
After the Hoosiers' win, Daley was walking around the stadium giving out high fives to fans when he suddenly went into the injury tent. Later, Cignetti confirmed that Daley suffered a serious leg injury that is most likely to end his season, thus keeping him out of the College Football Playoff.
NEW: Indiana star DL Stephen Daley will likely miss the remainder of the season, Curt Cignetti announced.
— On3 (@On3sports) December 10, 2025
Daley suffered a potential leg injury on a freak incident as he walked around the stadium giving high fives to fans after the Hoosiers' win. https://t.co/diOwOV01Dn pic.twitter.com/tE0iqGzWOg
This is a huge loss for the Hoosiers, whose defense took a serious step forward this season and was a big reason for their Big Ten Championship win over the Buckeyes. The Ohio State offensive line struggled to stop Daley in their matchup as he had three total tackles and a sack, but he was constantly putting pressure on quarterback Julian Sayin.
Ohio State won't have to game plan for elite Indiana defensive lineman in potential rematch
Indiana and Ohio State certainly put on a thrilling matchup on Championship Weekend, probably the best game all day, which everyone was hoping for. When No. 1 and No. 2 go up against each other, there is always the hope that it will be electric.
The game certainly delivered, but unfortunately for Ohio State fans, it did not end in their favor. The Buckeyes faced what was definitely their toughest defense all season long and struggled to find the end zone on multiple drives. Ohio State's defense also withstood a much-improved Indiana offense, but the Hoosiers just had a little extra when it came to scoring.
There is hope that these two teams will meet up again in the National Championship game for another installment of No. 1 and No. 2. If that is the case, the Hoosiers certainly will look different without Daley.
The senior pass rusher really came into form in 2025, specifically in the second half of the season. After the injury to Kellen Wyatt, Daley really shone, finishing his season with 19 tackles for a loss, which led the Big Ten, 5.5 sacks, 38 tackles, five quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles.
While you never want to see anyone injured, especially in the way Daley was injured, Ohio State will be happy not to have to face him again in a potential rematch.