Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Stephen Daley (8) moves in on Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, during the Big Ten football championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Hoosiers will likely be without one of the top defensive linemen in the country during the College Football Playoffs.

Stephen Daley played the entire Big Ten championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, but was seen getting medical attention during the celebration after the win. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti addressed his status on Wednesday, telling On3's Alec Lasley that he "did sustain a serious injury that will probably make him not available for the remainder of the season.”

Daley is second in the country with 19.0 tackles for loss. He has also recorded 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one pass breakup, and two forced fumbles during his first season with the Hoosiers.

He has been at his best to end the season, recording 11.0 tackles for loss in their final four games. The Kent State transfer was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and has made multiple All-American teams.

His loss will put pressure on Indiana's defensive line when they return to action on Jan. 1 against either Oklahoma or Alabama in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. The good news is that they still have star defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker along the interior to anchor the unit.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Indiana DL Stephen Daley likely to miss College Football Playoffs

Reporting by JD McCarthy, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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