Indiana’s defense has been one of the nation’s most suffocating units all season. The Hoosiers enter the postseason ranked fourth nationally in yards allowed per game at just 257.2 and second in offensive touchdowns surrendered with only 12. They have controlled games with speed, discipline, and relentless pressure, but the next test comes against an offense capable of flipping momentum in a hurry.
No. 1 Indiana will square off with No. 9 Alabama this Thursday, Jan. 1, in the Rose Bowl. The Crimson Tide showed both vulnerability and explosiveness in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. Alabama stumbled out of the gate and fell behind Oklahoma by 17 points in the first 20 minutes before storming back to secure a 34-24 win. That kind of offensive firepower presents challenges Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines must account for, even if his unit has seen nearly every look imaginable through 13 games.
However, Indiana’s preparation took an unexpected turn following its Big Ten Championship celebration. Breakout edge rusher Stephen Daley suffered a noncontact injury during the postgame trophy ceremony, sidelining one of the Hoosiers’ most disruptive defenders at the worst possible time. The loss is significant, but Haines emphasized that the identity of this defense has never changed. It has always been built on a next man up mentality.
“Same with all positions, it is always next man up,” Haines said during Sunday’s press conference. “So, I expect that when Daniel Ndukwe’s number is called, he’ll be ready just like everybody that came before him and everybody that is going to come after him, as well. That is regardless of position. You know, we had some [injuries] at linebacker during the middle of the year and whether it be Jeff Utzinger that shows up in there or Kaiden Turner. There is a job description that needs to be done, find a way to get it done.”
Replacing Daley will be no small task. The senior has been dominant off the edge, tallying 38 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles this season. His impact only grew as the year progressed, particularly after Kellan Wyatt went down earlier in the season. Wyatt recorded 28 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks before suffering a season-ending injury in Indiana’s Week 8 matchup against Michigan State, and Daley answered the call without hesitation. Now, as Indiana prepares for its biggest game yet, someone else must do the same.
Now, that opportunity appears to belong to sophomore Daniel Ndukwe. After carving out an early role on special teams, Ndukwe has patiently waited for his chance to make a bigger impact. He appeared in 12 games during the 2024 season and made his presence felt immediately, blocking two punts as a freshman. In 2025, he has seen the field in nearly every game, recording seven tackles and a tackle for loss. The production may not jump off the stat sheet, but the opportunity in front of him certainly does.
With Daley sidelined, Ndukwe is expected to step into a much larger role off the edge. It is a moment he has been preparing for all season, and one the coaching staff believes he is ready to handle. While Ndukwe works to fill Daley’s shoes, Haines has been just as busy behind the scenes, ensuring the scheme puts his young defender in the best possible position to succeed.
“It is on me to adapt the scheme that fits what those guys are capable of; whether it is Daniel Ndukwe or whoever shows up at field end,” Haines said. “I need to put them in a great spot to be successful. That is what I get paid to do, and so I will fight my tail off to get that done.”
That trust speaks volumes. Haines is known for his honesty and intensity, and if he and head coach Curt Cignetti believe Ndukwe is ready for this moment, it is not a leap of faith. Ndukwe will be asked to play fast, physical, and disciplined against one of the most talented offenses in the country, and he will not be alone. Sophomore Mario Landino, who has mostly been playing as an interior D-lineman, may see some time at the edge position as well.
Alabama’s offense is loaded with playmakers, but Indiana’s defense has made a habit of finding weaknesses and imposing its will. If the Hoosiers stay disciplined and avoid costly mistakes, the Rose Bowl sets up as a true test of depth, preparation, and belief. For Ndukwe and Indiana’s defense, it is a chance to prove that the standard does not change, even when the faces do.