The Hoosiers are battling an ACC school for TCU transfer Josh Hoover

Indiana’s football team’s playoff preparations took a hit when defensive end Stephen Daly went down, but defensive coordinator Bryant Haynes clarified the mindset from within the building is the next man, not the panic.

Speaking to Michael Niziolek of the Herald-Times , Haynes said the answer is simple when you examine the depth: “There’s a job description that needs to be done.

The same practical tone hovers over Indiana’s quarterback outlook outside of the Rose Bowl. According to On3, Louisville and Indiana are two early schools “in the mix” to land TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover. It’s early, but it’s a notable pairing, an ACC program and Big Ten contender circling the same veteran option.

For now, Indiana’s immediate task is to survive a matchup with Alabama while changing the pass rush. Daly’s production was important: 35 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Losing that kind of edge pressure changes the way you call the game.

Indiana’s defense has been a calling card all season, ranking third nationally in opponent points per game and third in opponent yards per game, with a top run defense and a high sack rate.

The good news for Haines is that this is not a one-man front. Linebacker Isaiah Jones has been a consistent disruptor, and Haines told Niziolek there was “never a doubt” about what Jones would bring.

Behind him, Indiana has other producers who can help cover the loss, including Roliah Hardy, Tyreke Tucker and Mario Landin. The pressure doesn’t have to come from one jersey, but it has to show up.

Indiana also got a boost on the other side of the ball. On3’s Pete Thamel reported that wide receiver Omar Cooper is back “full speed ahead” and is expected to be fully available against Alabama.

With Cooper serving as a key target for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, that availability is essential against a Crimson Tide defense that has been steady all year.

Indiana can’t replace Daley at one point, but it can spread the load, keep its pressure packages intact and rely on a healthier offense as it chases a semifinal spot.