The NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner, and Indiana football is making some serious noise. The league released its official invite list for the 2026 Combine, and nine Hoosiers are heading to Indianapolis-a number that likely marks a program record. For a school that’s traditionally flown under the radar when it comes to NFL Draft season, this is a major statement.
The Combine, set for February 23 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium, is the premier showcase for NFL hopefuls. It’s where athleticism meets opportunity, and for these nine Indiana players, it’s a chance to solidify draft stock-or in some cases, make a late push onto team boards.
Here’s the full list of Indiana invitees:
- Fernando Mendoza, QB
- Roman Hemby, RB
- Omar Cooper, Jr., WR
- Elijah Sarratt, WR
- Riley Nowakowski, TE
- Pat Coogan, C
- Aiden Fisher, LB
- Louis Moore, S
- D’Angelo Ponds, CB
Let’s start with the headline: Fernando Mendoza. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 season and a national championship-an all-time run that’s already etched into program lore.
He’s widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. While Mendoza has already made it known he won’t throw at the Combine, his resume speaks volumes.
The interviews, medicals, and team meetings will be the focus for him in Indy.
At wide receiver, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper, Jr. have both drawn second-round projections, and they’ll be looking to back that up with strong workouts. Sarratt brings size and physicality, while Cooper’s route-running and hands have turned heads all season.
D’Angelo Ponds, a standout cornerback, is another name that’s popped up in Day 2 conversations. His tape speaks for itself-fluid hips, sticky coverage, and a knack for finding the football.
Roman Hemby is a versatile back who could climb boards with a strong 40-yard dash and some crisp work in receiving drills. Riley Nowakowski, a tight end with a solid frame and reliable hands, has the kind of skill set that could appeal to teams looking for a developmental TE2 or TE3.
Pat Coogan holds things down on the interior offensive line, and his Combine reps will be crucial in showing he can anchor against NFL-level power. On the defensive side, Aiden Fisher and Louis Moore round out the group-both players with intriguing tools who could hear their names called in the later rounds.
It’s worth noting that while a Combine invite is a strong signal that a player is on the league’s radar-either as a draft pick or priority free agent-it’s not the only path to the pros. Two notable Hoosiers not invited to Indy, Mikail Kamara and Devan Boykin, are still firmly in the mix. They’ll get their shot at Indiana’s Pro Day, scheduled for April 1 in Bloomington, when NFL scouts descend on campus for another close look.
For Indiana, this Combine class is more than just a group of prospects-it’s proof of a program on the rise. From a Heisman-winning quarterback to a deep crop of skill players and defenders, the Hoosiers are sending a message: Bloomington is producing NFL talent, and the rest of the country is starting to take notice.
Coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine begins February 26 on NFL Network and NFL+. Keep an eye on the Hoosiers-this could be the start of something big.