All-American defensive lineman Mikail Kamara announces return to IU football for next season

The IU football program received a massive Christmas gift on Wednesday morning as All-American defensive lineman Mikail Kamara announced he would be returning to Indiana for the 2025 season.

Kamara took to twitter to make the announcement.

“… The way the season ended, that left a real bitter taste in my mouth,” Kamara said in his post. “And with that being said, I’m going to promise you all I’m going to give it all I got one more time (next season).”

Kamara was named an AP Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten in his first season with Indiana after transferring from James Madison. he had 47 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this season. He had at least one sack in seven games this season.

Indiana, under the leadership of Kamara and fellow All-American Aiden Fisher, was amongst the top defensive units nationally in numerous categories. That included a top-10 ranking in rushing defense (1st), total defense (3rd), turnover margin (5th) and scoring defense (6th).

Kamara will be joining Fisher back in Bloomington — who announced his return earlier this week as well.

IU football finished 11-2 this season and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Indiana was second in the Big Ten after being picked 17th to begin the season.

The 11 wins were a program-best.

“You are what your record says you are. So, 11-2. Tied for second in the Big Ten. Made the College Football Playoff. And packed the stadium. Made a lot of people proud. And had a historic season,” Cignetti said. “So set the foundation for hopefully what’s to come.

“We’ve got a good nucleus coming back, and we’ll be okay.”

SEE ALSO: IU football changed the narrative around the program and ‘laid the foundation’ this year. But, 2025 provides even greater challenges because ‘now the standards are up’

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