BLOOMINGTON — Following another legal setback for the NCAA regarding student-athlete eligibility rules, Indiana University athletics is reaping immediate roster benefits across multiple flagship programs.
The court ruling, which challenged the NCAA’s application of the new five-year eligibility model for the high school class of 2022, has officially paved the way for three major contributors—men’s basketball forward Sam Alexis and football defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt—to return to Bloomington for the 2026–27 season.
Frontcourt Boost for Hoosier Basketball
After the court mandated that eligibility updates take effect immediately, Sam Alexis confirmed his intention to occupy Indiana’s open scholarship slot for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign.
Alexis averaged 8.8 points per game last season, stepping into a heavy workload due to limited depth at center. With the offseason arrival of transfer portal frontcourt additions Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu, Alexis gives head coach Darian DeVries a proven, experienced rim protector in a backup role.
The Hoosiers also built early chemistry this summer during international competition at the FISU America Games in Peru, giving them a competitive head start while rivals across the Big Ten navigate heavy roster turnover.
Defense Retains Key Starters as Fall Camp Opens
The gridiron side of Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium received an equally vital boost. Defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt—both key pillars of IU’s defensive unit last fall—will return to the team.
The news comes right as Indiana football officially kicks off fall camp ahead of next month’s season opener. With high expectations following a strong 2025 campaign, the return of Daley and Wyatt reinforces a unit expected to contend near the top of the conference and nationally.
