Hoosiers Now

James Madison Defensive Lineman Mikail Kamara Transfers to Indiana

After making 17.5 tackles for loss in 2023 at James Madison, defensive lineman Mikail Kamara is transferring to Indiana.

Jack Ankony

James Madison Defensive Lineman Mikail Kamara Transfers to Indiana
James Madison Defensive Lineman Mikail Kamara Transfers to Indiana /
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana bolstered its defensive line with the addition of James Madison transfer Mikail Kamara.

The 6-foot-1, 265-pound defensive lineman announced his decision Tuesday to transfer to Indiana and reunite with Coach Curt Cignetti in Bloomington. Kamara was an All-Sun Belt second-team selection in 2023.

Kamara played a key role on a James Madison defense that led the FBS with 61.5 rushing yards allowed per game in 2023. He played a variety of positions along the defensive line, from tackle to end.

In 12 games this year, he made 27 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five quarterback hits and three forced fumbles. He received a 72.5 defense grade by Pro Football Focus, which was ninth best on James Madison in 2023.

Kamara played five games in 2022 and made 14 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He missed the entire 2021 season due to injury, but used a redshirt season to maintain a year of eligibility in the future. 

When James Madison was an FCS school, it played in the spring of 2021 instead of the fall of 202 due to COVID-19. That year, as a true freshman, he played six games at defensive end and made 16 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Kamara was named CAA Freshman of the Week on Feb. 22.

Kamara was listed as a redshirt sophomore on James Madison's roster, meaning he'll have two years of remaining eligibility with the Hoosiers. 

Related stories Indiana football

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Jack Ankony
JACK ANKONY

Jack Ankony is a Sports Illustrated/FanNation writer for HoosiersNow.com. He graduated from Indiana University's Media School with a degree in journalism. Follow on Twitter @ankony_jack.

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