From Bloomington to the Big Leagues: 10 Indiana Hoosiers Eye the 2026 NFL Draft
Winning a national championship doesn’t just raise banners-it raises draft stock. And after a historic title run, Indiana football is seeing the ripple effects in a big way.
Ten Hoosiers are now legitimate 2026 NFL Draft prospects, a number that would eclipse the program’s total selections from the past nine drafts combined. It’s a seismic shift for a program that, until recently, wasn’t exactly a pipeline to the pros.
At the center of it all? Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback who not only led Indiana to glory but now stands as the projected No. 1 overall pick. The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to make him the face of their franchise-and with good reason.
Mendoza’s final college season was a clinic in efficiency and playmaking. He completed 72% of his passes, threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns, and was picked off just six times.
He added seven rushing touchdowns, none bigger than his fourth-quarter dive in the national championship game-a moment that’s already etched into college football lore. He checks every box NFL teams look for in a franchise QB: poise, accuracy, athleticism, and that rare ability to elevate everyone around him.
But Mendoza isn’t the only Hoosier making waves on draft boards.
Weapons and Wall Protectors
Two of Mendoza’s top targets-wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr.-are drawing serious second-day buzz. Both bring different skill sets to the table.
Sarratt is a smooth route-runner with reliable hands, while Cooper is a dynamic playmaker who thrives in contested catch situations. They’ve been climbing big boards steadily and could land in that sweet spot between Rounds 2 and 3.
Protecting Mendoza all season was tackle Carter Smith, who’s also on the radar as a potential Day 2 selection. Smith’s blend of size, footwork, and technique has evaluators intrigued. He’s currently listed by ESPN’s Mel Kiper as the ninth-best tackle in the class-a sign that he’s firmly in the mix.
On the defensive side, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is another name to watch. He’s been a lockdown presence in the secondary and is ranked as the fifth-best cornerback by Kiper. His range, instincts, and ball skills make him a natural fit in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Defensive lineman Mikail Kamara, who wreaked havoc in the trenches all season, is also drawing mid-round attention. He’s a disruptive force with a high motor-traits that always translate well at the next level.
Depth Across the Board
Beyond the headliners, Indiana has a handful of other draft hopefuls who could hear their names called in April. Defensive back Louis Moore, center Pat Coogan, linebacker Aiden Fisher, running back Roman Hemby, and tight end Riley Nowakowski round out a deep and talented group.
Each brings something unique to the table. Moore is a physical presence in the secondary; Coogan is a steady, cerebral anchor in the middle of the offensive line; Fisher flies around the field with sideline-to-sideline range; Hemby is a versatile back who can contribute in the passing game; and Nowakowski is a reliable in-line tight end with sneaky athleticism.
Where They Stand on Draft Boards
Draft rankings are fluid, especially with the NFL Combine and pro days still ahead, but here’s a snapshot of where some of these Hoosiers currently land across various big boards:
PFF Rankings:
- Ponds (58th)
- Cooper (60th)
- Sarratt (66th)
- Smith (84th)
- Kamara (99th)
NFL Mock Draft Database:
- Sarratt (44th)
- Ponds (62nd)
- Smith (74th)
- Cooper (76th)
- Moore (123rd)
- Coogan (140th)
- Kamara (146th)
- Fisher (147th)
- Hemby (197th)
- Nowakowski (256th)
Tankathon:
- Sarratt (47th)
- Ponds (55th)
- Cooper (69th)
- Smith (75th)
- Kamara (127th)
- Moore (139th)
- Fisher (160th)
CBS Sports:
- Cooper (33rd)
- Smith (44th)
- Ponds (50th)
- Sarratt (110th)
This kind of representation is unprecedented for Indiana football. For context, the Hoosiers had just two players selected in the 2025 draft-defensive tackle C.J.
West (fourth round, 49ers) and quarterback Kurtis Rourke (seventh round, 49ers). Before that, it was a steady trickle of one or two picks per year, with the occasional mid-round standout.
Potential for History
If Mendoza goes first overall, he’ll be the second Hoosier ever to earn that distinction. The first?
Corby Davis, a blocking back and kicker (yes, that was a real position) taken by the Cleveland Rams in 1938. Davis played five seasons and did a little bit of everything-rushed, passed, punted, and even kicked a field goal.
Indiana’s history of first-rounders includes names like Thomas Lewis (1994), Vaughn Dunbar (1992), Eric Moore (1988), and Kevin Allen (1985). But it’s been a long time since the Hoosiers were this relevant on draft night.
What’s Next
With the NFL Combine in Indianapolis just around the corner and pro days to follow, these Hoosiers will have more chances to boost their stock. And come April 23-25, when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh, Indiana could be one of the most talked-about programs in the room.
From national champions to NFL hopefuls, this group has already made history. Now, they’re looking to take that next step-from Bloomington to the big leagues.