Hurt celebrating, Hoosiers DE Stephen Daley in doubt for playoff

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th December, 15:22 2025

Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a pass against Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Stephen Daley (8) in the first quarter during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley is dealing with a "serious" leg injury and his availability for the College Football Playoff is in doubt.

Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti said Daley underwent tests after leaving the postgame celebration following the Big Ten Championship in an air cast. Daley appeared to be hurt when he tried to jump and high-five fans seated on the railing around the playing field in Indianapolis.

He won't be easily replaced by No. 1 Indiana (13-0). Daley had 5.5 sacks and led the Big Ten with 19 tackles for loss.

Cignetti said he was not aware of the injury until more than 40 minutes after the game ended because of additional media responsibilities in the conference championship postgame.

"This postgame was a little different than most," Cignetti said.

"Sunday was still sort of waiting a little bit on images to come back, that sort of thing. So when I had my press conference (on Sunday), there was a little more information that still had to come in. I was still processing the whole thing because it was sort of unbelievable when I heard about it, and I think that is why I said we had nobody hurt in the game, during the game."

Top-seeded Indiana is awaiting the winner of the Dec. 19 first-round matchup between Oklahoma and Alabama.

--Field Level Media

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