Just days before the 2026 season kicks off, Curt Cignetti is facing an unexpected situation with his defensive lineup. Two key players who were welcomed back to the field have found themselves sidelined from game action. 

Indiana defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt have been ruled ineligible for games during the upcoming 2026 season. This change occurred after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit stayed a nationwide preliminary injunction that had originally allowed certain Class of 2022 athletes to play a fifth year. 

The ruling went into effect on August 21, stripping their game eligibility just as college football is about to begin. Both athletes can continue practicing with the team, but their status remains unresolved, and an appeal is expected soon.

The original legal protection came from a federal judge in Colorado, Charlotte N. Sweeney, in the Wisne v. NCAA case. Her injunction protected athletes who had already played four seasons and wanted to return for a fifth in 2026-27. 

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However, the Tenth Circuit’s stay stopped that protection while the NCAA pursues its appeal. NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby informed schools that the association’s standard age-based eligibility rules are back in effect. 

Daley and Wyatt both exhausted their four seasons of eligibility after last season but returned to the Hoosiers, relying on the federal injunction. Several student-athletes from the 2022 class argued that the NCAA’s new five-for-five rule put them at a disadvantage since they didn’t redshirt their freshman season.

Indiana brought Daley back around August 5, and Wyatt’s return was confirmed shortly after. The court stay removed the shield that allowed them to compete.

The Hoosiers spent the last few weeks preparing the defense with these two veterans factored into the game plan. Speaking earlier about the unpredictability of the offseason, Cignetti noted, “Nobody really has a crystal ball and knows what the future holds.”

Daley transferred from Kent State for the 2025 season. His season ended with a knee injury while celebrating with fans after the team’s Big Ten Championship win over Ohio State. 

After transferring from Maryland, Wyatt’s season was also cut short by a knee injury during the Week 8 game against Michigan State. 

Both were recovering well in camp, and Cignetti said their return “makes us a better football team.” The head coach added, “I think Daley will be ready to take some 11-on-11 reps next week, with Wyatt a little bit behind him… we’re not rushing either.” 

As the start of the season approaches, the coaching staff cannot afford to sit still. 

Indiana’s next moves as time runs out

Indiana and the players still have a few possible legal routes to explore. One of the most common options is seeking a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction in a state court. 

For example, Indiana basketball player Sam Alexis remained eligible through a separate Tennessee state-court injunction, and the NCAA’s attempt to stay that specific order was denied. Daley and Wyatt could take a similar path, or they could wait for the Tenth Circuit’s full ruling on the appeal. 

The NCAA fought hard for this stay because of the roster chaos it claimed the injunction created. The governing body argued that allowing these athletes back so close to the season displaced younger players who were already promised roster spots. 

Across the country, programs had begun bringing back former seniors and even first-year NFL players. The Tenth Circuit’s 2-1 panel agreed with the NCAA, finding a likelihood of success on the merits and possible irreparable harm, though one judge disagreed.

While losing Daley and Wyatt hurts, Indiana’s current roster gives Cignetti enough protection on the field. The Hoosiers brought in additions like Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi from Kansas State, as well as Josh Burnham from Notre Dame. 

Still, welcoming two proven veterans back only to lose their game eligibility days before the season creates a frustrating situation.