Legitimate edge rushing is one of the hardest things to find in today’s transfer portal world, so Curt Cignetti and his staff were blessed when they learned their All-American Mikail Kamara had decided to return for another season. Just like most of the other position groups, the Hoosiers defensive line had a phenomenal 2024 season and are looking to duplicate that success this year. Both Pat Kuntz and Buddha Williams have proven to be valuable assets on the coaching staff and along the recruiting trail. Let’s take a look at how their defensive end and stud rotations could shake out this season.
All-American + The First Rotation: Mikail Kamara and… Kellen Wyatt? Stephen Daley? Daniel Ndukwe?
It is great to go into a season feeling absolutely certain you have one stud (no pun intended) at the position. With Mikail Kamara, the Hoosiers have that. Kamara was absolutely dominant last season, starting in all 13 games for the Hoosiers and leading the FBS in total pressures (73) per Pro Football Focus. He finished the year garnering second-team All-American honors from The Athletic and third team from the Associated Press. He’s back to improve his draft stock – and expand on his ability to rush the passer, moving to Indiana’s stud position, where he may see some time in pass coverage.
The question marks will begin right after Kamara, however, as the Hoosiers have talent, but Buddha Williams will be using fall camp to determine how it will all shake out. Alongside Kamara at the stud position could be Maryland transfer Kellen Wyatt, who appeared in 35 games over three seasons with the Terrapins. Last season, he totaled 30 tackles, three sacks, and forced two fumbles. He even was able to take down Kurtis Rourke for a sack against the Hoosiers last year, a rarity for Rourke early in the year.
On the strong side of the defensive edge, the Hoosiers could see redshirt senior Stephen Daley step into CJ West’s role of an impact transfer from Kent State. Daley made 24 starts in 34 career games with the Golden Flashes and had solid games against power four foes Pittsburgh and Penn State last season. Daniel Ndukwe could also likely find himself in this first rotation after proving he had what it takes to see the field as a true freshman with the Hoosiers last season. He spent much of this time on special teams, but he showed a knack for getting pressure – he became the first Hoosier with multiple punt blocks in the same season since Jeremy Finch in 2008.
Rotational Guys: William Depaepe, Quentin Clark, Tyrone Burrus, Triston Abram
Behind the more experienced players listed above, the Hoosiers have some intriguing more youthful pieces that are all eyeing a chance to wreck some havoc. There is only one game of experience at the collegiate level between the four names listed above and that comes from Quentin Clark, who was one of just 12 freshman to make their debut last season. He saw a few snaps against Michigan State, but did not record a snap. Depaepe returns after redshirting last season. And newcomers Tyrone Burrus and Triston Abram, both consensus high 3-star recruits, will look to see if they can join a rare club – the trusted true freshman under Curt Cignetti.
Outlook
Every single game the Hoosiers go into this season, opposing offensive coordinators will immediately have to circle three players: D’Angelo Ponds, Aiden Fisher, and defensive end Mikail Kamara. Kamara has legitimate NFL talent and was a force to be reckoned with all of last season. If he can continue his dominance, experienced returning players and newcomers can step into their roles, and a youth piece or two are able to step up behind them, the Hoosiers could once again find themselves near the top of the nation in rushing defense and sacks.
Preseason Position Previews
Continue to follow along with Hoosier Huddle’s coverage as we quickly approach opening kickoff!