Indiana football gets major NCAA eligibility ruling for two key defenders

Indiana football's defensive line depth got a major boost Wednesday thanks to a win in a local courtroom. Monroe County Circuit Court judge Kara Krothe issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in the eligibility case involving 97 student-athletes, including IU defenders Stephen Daley and Kel

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Indiana football's defensive line depth got a major boost Wednesday thanks to a win in a local courtroom.

Monroe County Circuit Court judge Kara Krothe issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in the eligibility case involving 97 student-athletes, including IU defenders Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, per court records.

The ruling opens the door for Daley and Wyatt to play Friday night against Northwestern. They had to sit out a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky as they awaited a ruling. Daley and Wyatt were eligible for the fourth-ranked Hoosiers' first two games this season because of a temporary restraining order that expired Sept. 14.

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Going into the 2026-27 academic year, the NCAA eliminated the traditional redshirt rule and various hardship waivers in favor of an age-based eligibility framework. The new NCAA “five-for-five” guidelines allow student-athletes to play five seasons in five calendar years, but the rule excluded student-athletes from the 2022 high school class, even if they fit the criteria for an additional year.

Daley and Wyatt returned to Bloomington when the U.S. District Court of Colorado issued a class-wide preliminary injunction on July 31, 2026 to prevent the NCAA from excluding their high school class. They both played four seasons in four years.

Daley replaced Wyatt in the Hoosiers' starting lineup last season after Wyatt suffered a season-ending injury against Michigan State on Oct. 18. Daley would go onto lead the Big Ten in tackles for loss (19.0) and had the second most quarterback pressures (41) on the team. However, Daley suffered a season-ending injury after the Hoosiers' Big Ten championship win over Ohio State when he injured his leg jumping up to celebrate with fans in the stands.

According to Pro Football Focus, Daley has four tackles and two quarterback pressures in 32 snaps this season. Wyatt, who sat out the season opener, played nine snaps against Howard, but didn't record any stats.

The NCAA is expected to appeal Krothe's decision.