Defensive end Stephen Daley is anticipated to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, including the upcoming College Football Playoff, following an injury sustained during the celebration of No. 1 Indiana“s Big Ten championship victory.
Coach Curt Cignetti confirmed the news on Wednesday. “I can confirm that he did sustain an injury, a serious injury that will probably make him not available for the remainder of the season,” Cignetti stated, noting that he was unaware of the injury until after the game had concluded.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment Daley appeared to awkwardly land on his right leg while enthusiastically high-fiving fans just after the Hoosiers secured a thrilling 13-10 victory over Ohio State. This win marked Indiana”s first Big Ten title since 1967 and their first outright championship since 1945, culminating in an undefeated record of 13-0 for the first time in the school”s history. Furthermore, the triumph ensured Indiana”s second consecutive playoff berth.
The top-seeded Hoosiers will enjoy a first-round bye and are set to compete against either No. 8 Oklahoma or No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on January 1.
Daley, who was not heavily recruited out of his home state of Virginia, has become an integral part of the Hoosiers” defense after transferring from Kent State this season. His contributions include 38 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup, earning him honorable mention recognition in the Big Ten.
“I was still processing the whole thing because it was sort of unbelievable when I heard about it,” Cignetti remarked when addressing reporters on Sunday. He added, “I think that is why I said we had nobody hurt in the game, during the game.”
Indiana football will now have to adjust its playoff strategy without one of its key defensive players as they aim for success in the postseason.
