This Big Ten team might get one of its best players back for the 2026 season: Buckeye Breakfast

Ohio StateIndiana could have DL Stephen Daley back for the 2026 season.APBy Stefan Krajisnik, cleveland.comCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football has long known it would face Indiana in 2026, but the Buckeyes received surprising news regarding the matchup Tuesday.The Hoosiers announced that defensive lineman Stephen Daley is planning to return for a fifth season after a district court in Colorado ruled that Class of 2022 recruits are eligible to take advantage of the NCAA’s new “five-for-five” rule.It’s unclear if an NCAA appeal will overturn the injunction and render players such as Daley ineligible again.Ohio State football ends 11-year drought in preseason coaches poll. See where the Buckeyes landed6 questions about Ohio State’s offense heading into 2026 fall camp: Buckeye Talk podcastOhio State football preseason camp: 6 position battles to monitor before 2026 seasonFive-star Ohio State quarterback target sets commitment date; Here’s what he could mean for the BuckeyesDaley started his career at Kent State, where he spent three seasons (2022-24). He transferred to Indiana ahead of the 2025 season and became a high-level contributor on a championship-winning defense. He led the Big Ten with 19 tackles for loss and ranked 20th with 5.5 sacks. Daley posted impressive numbers despite suffering a late-season injury. While celebrating Indiana’s win against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, he suffered an apparent knee injury at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Daley did not play in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff and was not taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.Ohio State’s latest watch list additionsOhio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson and safety Jaylen McClain were named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Tuesday. The honor is awarded annually to the top defensive player in college football.The Buckeyes also had center Carson Hinzman, guard Luke Montgomery and offensive lineman Austin Siereveld named to the Outland Trophy watch list Tuesday. The award goes annually to the top interior lineman in college football.Former Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was a finalist for the award last year, though Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano won it.Key datesFall camp begins: 1 day, Aug. 6, 2026Ohio State vs. Ball State (Season Opener): 31 days, Sept. 5, 2026The Game 2026: 115 days, Nov. 28, 2026Big Ten Championship Game: 122 days, Dec. 5, 2026College Football Playoff first round: 135 days, Dec. 18-19, 2026College Football Playoff quarterfinal: 147 days, Dec. 30, 2026-Jan. 1, 2027College Football Playoff semifinal: 162 days, Jan. 14-15, 2027College Football Playoff National Championship Game: 173 days, Jan. 25, 2027Ohio State football beat writer