Source: Associated Press
Summary
A Indiana state court granted a preliminary injunction allowing Indiana Hoosiers defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt to return for the Big Ten opener against Northwestern. Judge Kara Krothe ruled over 90 athletes can have a fifth year of eligibility. The NCAA plans to appeal. Daley and Wyatt were starters on last season’s national championship team but missed the opener due to expired temporary orders. Coach Curt Cignetti said having them back would help the team.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Daley and Wyatt sat out the opener again.
They were stars last year, now they’re waiting for a court to let them play.
The NCAA says no, the court says yes, and the team is stuck in the middle.
It’s the same story every year—just different names.
Author: Evan Null
Indiana’s Legal Battle
Indiana state court has allowed Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt to return for the Big Ten opener. The ruling came after a preliminary injunction was issued by Monroe Circuit Court Judge Kara Krothe. The decision affects over 90 athletes, giving them a fifth year of eligibility. The NCAA is expected to appeal the ruling.
Eligibility Ruling
Judge Krothe’s 37-page opinion stated that the 2026-27 Division football, soccer, cross country, and field hockey seasons are underway. She noted that swimming and basketball seasons are approaching, with official practices for basketball starting on September 21, 2026. Spring sports are also coming soon.
Impact on Athletes
Plaintiffs have secured roster spots, but they will not receive scholarship aid or NIL payments until their eligibility is continued by court order. If relief is denied, they will lose their roster spots. College sports seasons are time-limited opportunities, and once lost, they cannot be restored, even if plaintiffs later prevail on the merits.
Game Absence
Daley and Wyatt did not play in Indiana’s 38-0 victory over Western Kentucky last weekend because a temporary restraining order allowing them to compete had expired. Both testified in court last week, but when the decision did not come down before the game, they were held out. Krothe’s ruling was expected this week.
Coach’s Comments
Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti has repeatedly said he supported the efforts of Daley and Wyatt to get an extra year of eligibility. He alluded to it again after last weekend’s game, saying, “We’ve gotten better since the first game for sure. You know, it sure will help if we have Wyatt and Daley.” He added, “It’s hard to measure that. We’ll find out we think soon. But if not, we lost some key guys last year and other guys stepped up.”
