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Kent State transfer defensive lineman Stephen Daley commits to Indiana

Browning Headshotby: Zach Browning04/20/25ZachBrowning17
Stephen Daley
Stephen Daley poses in a commitment graphic announcing his pledge to the Hoosiers. (Photo Credti: @sdaley_90 on X)

Indiana football landed its first spring commitment from the NCAA transfer portal Sunday morning with the addition of Kent State transfer defensive lineman Stephen Daley.

Daley, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior from Winchester, Virginia, announced his commitment via social media. He has one season of eligibility remaining and brings veteran experience and proven production to the Hoosiers’ defensive front.

Daley started all 12 games for Kent State during the 2024 season, recording 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, three passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His most productive performance came in a November road game against Miami (Ohio), where he tallied two sacks, four tackles and two tackles for loss.

Over the course of his three-year career with the Golden Flashes, Daley appeared in 34 games and compiled 103 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, three passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Notably, 99 of his 103 tackles came in the past two seasons.

Daley is a former teammate of former Hoosier defensive lineman CJ West, who transferred to Indiana prior to the 2024 season. West is now awaiting the NFL Draft to here his name called as he pursues a career at the next level.

Daley’s addition is a key piece for second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, who continues to reshape Indiana’s roster through the transfer portal. Daley joins Texas State defensive lineman Dominque Ratcliff and Western Kentucky defensive lineman Hosea Wheeler as transfers joining Indiana’s defensive front this offseason.

The Hoosiers recently lost veteran interior defensive lineman Marcus Burris to the transfer portal, making Daley’s addition even more important.

With proven production and leadership, Daley is expected to contribute immediately to a defense aiming to take another step forward in 2025 after a fantastic season a year ago.

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