Indiana’s Top Target Omar Cooper Jr. Cleared for Rose Bowl Return vs. Alabama
Indiana is getting a major boost ahead of its Rose Bowl showdown with Alabama. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., the Hoosiers’ leading pass-catcher, is officially back to full speed and is expected to be fully available for the game, according to multiple reports.
Cooper had been working his way back from a lower-body injury suffered early in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State - a gritty 13-10 win that secured Indiana’s first-ever conference title. The injury, which appeared to be to his right ankle, sidelined him for the remainder of that game.
But over the last week, signs pointed toward a full return. Cooper was spotted participating in practice during an open session Sunday and even appeared in a highlight video released by the IU Athletics department.
Now, it’s official: Cooper is good to go.
And that’s huge news for Indiana.
The redshirt junior from Indianapolis has been the engine of the Hoosiers’ passing game all season. He leads the team in receptions (58), receiving yards (804), and touchdowns (11) - all career highs.
He’s also chipped in as a runner, taking three carries for 74 yards and another score. In short, when Indiana needs a play, Cooper is usually the guy they call.
“He’s an explosive guy,” head coach Curt Cignetti said last week. “He’s really good after the catch, and just has a lot of potential and ability.
And he’s become more consistent. Still has more consistency, steps in consistency he can take.
But I’ve seen him really progress and evolve.”
That evolution has been on full display this season. Cooper’s improved route running, stronger hands in traffic, and ability to turn short gains into big plays have made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses. And now, with Alabama looming, Indiana will need every ounce of that playmaking ability.
Facing a Crimson Tide defense known for speed and physicality, having a receiver like Cooper back in the fold gives quarterback Brendan Sorsby a reliable, explosive target - one who can stretch the field and move the chains. His presence also opens things up for the rest of Indiana’s offense, forcing Alabama to account for him on every snap.
The Hoosiers have been one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 college football season, and Cooper’s breakout campaign has played a big role in that. Now, with the biggest game in program history on deck, Indiana’s top weapon is back at full strength - and ready to make his mark on the Rose Bowl stage.