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

In this story:

Indiana Hoosiers

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

  • IU TRANSFER PORTAL TRACKER: Welcome to our Indiana football transfer portal tracker, where we'll keep an updated list of all of the outgoing and incoming transfers following the 2023 season and heading into the 2024 season with a new coaching staff. CLICK HERE
  • WAKE FOREST WR TRANSFERS TO IU: Former Wake Forest wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams is transferring to Indiana after totaling 1,385 receiving yards and five touchdowns in four seasons. CLICK HERE
  • OHIO WR TRANSFERS TO IU: Former Ohio wide receiver Miles Cross and quarterback Kurtis Rourke are teaming up at Indiana. The duo connected for 617 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. CLICK HERE
  • TEXAS TECH WR TRANSFERS TO IU: After totaling 1,751 yards and 10 touchdowns across four seasons at Texas Tech, wide receiver Myles Price is transferring to Indiana for his final year of eligibility. CLICK HERE
  • IU'S 2024 RECRUITING CLASS: Here's a list of high school recruits committed to the Indiana football program in the class of 2024. CLICK HERE
Published
Jack Ankony
JACK ANKONY

Jack Ankony has been covering IU basketball and football with “Indiana Hoosiers on SI” since 2022. He graduated from Indiana University's Media School with a degree in journalism.

Share on XFollow ankony_jack
Home/Football