The Indiana Hoosiers reached new heights last season, making a historic run to the College Football Playoff under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Most of the buzz surrounded the offense, but it’s a rising star on defense who’s now gaining national attention.

At least that’s how Pro Football Focus sees it.

PFF released its “College 50” rankings this week, listing the top 50 players in the country heading into the 2025 season. Indiana edge rusher Mikail Kamara landed at No. 32 overall.

Kamara followed Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana and didn’t skip a beat making the leap from the Sun Belt to the Big Ten. In fact, he elevated his game on the bigger stage.

“Kamara was one of many former James Madison Dukes to follow head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana,” PFF wrote. “After leveling up in competition by going from the Sun Belt to the Big Ten, the fifth-year senior also upped his game. He led all FBS edge defenders with 67 pressures in 2024, and his 28 combined sacks and hits were the third most in the nation.”

He may not have ideal NFL length at 6-foot-1, but Kamara’s 265-pound build, explosive first step, and violent hands made him a constant problem for opposing offensive lines last season. He finished the year with 19 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries — production that turned heads across the country.

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Now entering his sixth season, Kamara brings more experience than almost any pass rusher in the country. He’ll once again be the anchor of Indiana’s front seven — a player with proven production, high motor, and the kind of disruptive presence that should have NFL scouts watching closely.

Still, his pro potential comes with some questions.

“While his length at 6-foot-1 will be an issue for his NFL outlook,” PFF wrote, “Kamara has a stocky build at 265 pounds with a quick first step and good hand usage.”

After a breakout season in the Big Ten, Kamara heads into the fall as one of the most dangerous returning defenders in college football — and a key reason why Indiana’s defense could take another big step forward.