Indiana Hoosiers star Stephen Daley cleared to play fifth season

A Colorado district court issued a preliminary injunction that allows defensive standout Stephen Daley to return to Indiana University for a fifth and final season of college football. Daley, a key player in Indiana’s recent national championship run, had missed the College Football Playoff after a knee injury. The NCAA has announced it will appeal the ruling, which could affect eligibility decisions for players seeking extra years of competition under its upcoming “five‑for‑five” rule.

Following Daley’s return, Indiana’s roster also includes other athletes—such as linebacker Kellan Wyatt, wide receiver Jonathan Brady and tight end Holden Staes—who are evaluating a similar fifth‑year comeback under the same legal precedent. The Hoosiers’ roster now exceeds the standard 105‑player limit, but Designated Student Athlete provisions may allow the exceptions.