Indiana football is no stranger to grit, but this season, the Hoosiers didn’t just battle-they dominated. And now, with seven players landing in CBS Sports’ final Top 150 college football player rankings, including the No. 1 overall spot, there’s no denying it: Indiana has arrived on the national stage with a roster loaded with top-tier talent.
Fernando Mendoza: No. 1 Overall, and Deservedly So
Let’s start at the top-literally. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza didn’t just win the Heisman Trophy; he swept nearly every major national award for quarterbacks and offensive players.
And he earned every bit of it. Mendoza led Indiana to the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and he did it with a blend of precision, poise, and leadership that elevated the entire team.
He completed 71.5% of his passes, threw for 33 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and consistently made the kind of throws that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. Tight windows?
No problem. Late-game pressure?
Mendoza thrived in it. He read defenses like a veteran, processed quickly before the snap, and took advantage of mismatches all over the field.
Simply put, he was the engine that powered Indiana’s breakout season-and he was nearly flawless doing it.
Carter Smith: The Anchor at Left Tackle (No. 47 Overall)
Behind every great quarterback is a line that gives him time to work, and Carter Smith was the cornerstone of that protection. Ranked No. 47 overall, Smith earned Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and multiple second-team All-American nods. He didn’t allow a single sack all season-a stat that speaks volumes about his technique, footwork, and ability to handle elite pass rushers.
Smith brought consistency in both the run and pass game. Whether it was creating lanes for the ground game or mirroring edge rushers in pass protection, he passed every test. Indiana’s offensive line might not have gotten the national spotlight, but Smith’s play made sure Mendoza had time to shine.
Aiden Fisher: The Defensive Quarterback (No. 66 Overall)
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Aiden Fisher was the heart and soul of Indiana’s defense. Ranked No. 66 overall and a finalist for the Butkus Award, Fisher brought a mix of instincts, physicality, and leadership that made him impossible to ignore.
He racked up 77 tackles and two interceptions, but his impact went beyond the box score. Fisher was always around the ball, diagnosing plays in real time and delivering punishing hits. He set the tone for a defense that played with an edge-and followed his lead every step of the way.
Louis Moore: The Ball Hawk at Safety (No. 74 Overall)
If you were throwing deep against Indiana, you had to account for Louis Moore. The safety finished with six interceptions-leading the Big Ten-and added two pass breakups, earning him a spot at No. 74 overall and recognition as one of the nation’s top three safeties.
Moore’s game is built on fundamentals and football IQ. He rarely found himself out of position, closed space quickly, and was just as effective in run support as he was patrolling the back end. His ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball made him a difference-maker in big moments.
Omar Cooper Jr.: The Playmaker at Wide Receiver (No. 85 Overall)
Omar Cooper Jr. brought electricity to Indiana’s offense. Ranked No. 85 overall and the No. 11 receiver in the country, Cooper posted 800 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns-including a highlight-reel grab against Penn State that will be replayed for years to come.
With his burst, balance, and home-run speed, Cooper could stretch the field vertically or work the middle in traffic. He also showed the toughness to break tackles and pick up yards after the catch. Alongside Elijah Sarratt, Cooper helped form one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the country-even with Sarratt sidelined for part of the year.
D’Angelo Ponds: The Technician at Cornerback (No. 95 Overall)
Don’t let the 5-foot-9 frame fool you-D’Angelo Ponds plays big. Ranked No. 95 overall and the fourth-best cornerback nationally, Ponds earned All-American honors for the second straight season. He locked down his side of the field and showed the kind of instincts and footwork that coaches dream about.
Ponds finished with eight pass breakups and one interception, but his value went far beyond the numbers. He played receivers’ hands with precision, flipped his hips with ease, and wasn’t afraid to step up in run support. Whether matched up against big-bodied receivers or shifty slot guys, Ponds held his own-and then some.
Stephen Daley: The Disruptor on the Edge (No. 114 Overall)
Stephen Daley didn’t even start the season as a starter, but by year’s end, he was one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the country. Ranked No. 114 overall, Daley led both the Big Ten and the Power Four in tackles for loss with 19. He also added 5.5 sacks and 34 pressures-all while playing fewer snaps than most of his peers.
Daley won with speed, active hands, and a relentless motor. He consistently put offensive tackles on skates and forced quarterbacks to move off their spots. His season ended prematurely due to an injury after the Ohio State game, but his impact was already cemented.
The Big Picture
Seven Hoosiers in the Top 150. Six in the Top 100.
The No. 1 player in the nation. Indiana’s presence in these rankings isn’t just a reflection of individual talent-it’s a testament to a program that has taken a massive leap forward.
From Mendoza’s command at quarterback to the physicality of Fisher and the ball-hawking instincts of Moore, this group didn’t just play well-they helped redefine what Indiana football could be. And if this season is any indication, the Hoosiers aren’t just a one-year wonder. They’re building something real in Bloomington.