USC opponent gets hugely positive news before 2026 football season

The University of South Carolina (USC) football team is set to face a challenging opponent when they take on the Indiana Hoosiers in the upcoming 2026 football season. However, Indiana's defensive line just received some incredibly positive news that could potentially give them an edge in their next matchup.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Indiana star defensive lineman Stephen Daley has announced that he will return for his fifth season with the Hoosiers, beginning in 2026. Daley played a pivotal role in Indiana's championship-winning campaign last year, recording an impressive 19.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Unfortunately, Daley was unable to play the entirety of the 2025 season due to a knee injury. This same injury also prevented him from signing with NFL teams during the offseason. Nevertheless, he was recently cleared by Indiana officials and will now be able to continue his impressive career with the Hoosiers.

Daley's tenure at Kent State began with 103 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks in three years. His exceptional performance at Indiana has surpassed his numbers from Kent State, with 103 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks in the 2025 season alone. His return to Indiana is a significant boost for the team's defense as they prepare for their 2026 season.

Indiana, currently ranked No. 6 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, will undoubtedly be bolstered by Daley's return. This development has sparked speculation about how many poll voters would adjust their rankings of Indiana relative to Ohio State and Oregon following this news. Stay updated on the latest USC Trojans news, notes, and opinion by following @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and liking our page on Facebook.