Former Kansas State Football DEs Indirectly Lauded In Indiana's Star Retentions

Indiana football is experiencing a renaissance on the defensive line.

And it's not for anyone new, but rather to retain former players who left the program. Defensive ends Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt are back with the Hoosiers after a court ruling granting another year of eligibility to the 2022 class.

So the defensive line is only made deadlier with former Kansas State stars Tobi Osunsanmi and Chiddi Obiazor in the mix.

CBS Sports recently published an article discussing the impact of their return, highlighting the former Wildcats' defensive linemen as a part of Indiana's smothering defense next season.

"The Hoosiers, who were ranked No. 6 in the preseason Coaches Poll released Tuesday, hit the transfer portal hard to try and fill the hole left by Daley's departure, adding Chiddi Obiazor (Kansas State), Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State) and Josh Burnham (Notre Dame) to bolster their rotation on the outside of their defensive line," the article wrote.

Last season, Daley had 38 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, while Wyatt had 27 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. They were two integral parts of an Indiana defense that was arguably the best in the country. Their ability to stuff opponents behind the line made them one of the most formidable units nationally.

So you can only imagine when you add two major players as depth pieces. Osunsanmi led Kansas State in sacks and tackles for loss through the season's midway point, having to exit after his injury against Baylor. Meanwhile, Obiazor held his own ground with 28 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.

Their departures were part of why many thought the Wildcats would take a step back in 2026 despite retaining program legend Collin Klein. They've reciprocated in that position, bringing in Elijah Hill and Wendell Gregory to revamp the line upfront.

Still, though, these are pieces you would like to have for a coach going into Year 1, especially as he tries to redirect from one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. The defense took a huge step back, logging arguably its worst season since 2015. As an offensive coach, Klein brought in some defensive veteran coaches to help revitalize that unit.

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