Ohio State’s path through the Big Ten just got a little more complicated, because Indiana is bringing back the defensive lineman who gave the Buckeyes trouble last season.
Stephen Daley, who was a major force for the Hoosiers in their 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, is returning to Indiana after taking advantage of a court ruling. That’s a real boost for an Indiana defense that already proved it could go toe-to-toe with the best in the conference.
Daley was one of the biggest problems Ohio State had to deal with in that championship loss. He finished that game with three tackles and a sack, then hurt his knee while celebrating the win and missed Indiana’s CFP run.
His injury also helped push him out of the draft in April, when teams had concerns about his health. Now he’s back in Bloomington, and the Buckeyes will have to prepare for him again.
The numbers from last season show why Indiana wanted him back so badly. The Hoosiers ranked second in the Big Ten in points allowed per game, fourth in total yards allowed per game, and second in sacks.
Ohio State was the only team with a statistically better defense. Last season, Daley put up 35 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
It was his first year in the Power 4 after spending his first three seasons at Kent State.
For Ohio State, the timing of Daley’s return matters. The Buckeyes play Indiana on October 17 in Bloomington, a game that is expected to be a Big Noon Kickoff. It will also likely be the first time Ohio State plays in that stadium in a truly charged atmosphere, something that has not always been the case there in the past.
Even with Indiana getting stronger, Ohio State still looks like the team to beat. The Buckeyes opened as the top-ranked team in the first Coaches Poll, and they’re widely expected to be No. 1 in the first AP Poll as well. Indiana checked in sixth in the Coaches Poll, and Daley’s return could help push the Hoosiers into the top five.
Still, the bigger picture hasn’t changed much at the top of the conference. Ohio State remains the favorite to win the Big Ten and the national championship.
The Buckeyes are not expected to be major players in this eligibility wave, either. With everyone from the 2022 class now having a fifth year available, Ohio State is unlikely to bring many back. Jayden Fielding is seeking a return to college football, but it will not be with the Buckeyes, since that roster spot has already gone to Connor Hawkins.
Other Big Ten programs will probably use the same rule to their advantage, but among the teams near the top of the league, Indiana appears to be the one getting the biggest lift.
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