Just one week removed from celebrating their first-ever College Football Playoff national championship, Indiana’s offseason is already in full swing. The latest headline: standout wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is officially headed to the NFL.
Cooper, who played a pivotal role in IU’s title run, announced Monday that he’s declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the news, and Cooper confirmed it shortly after on social media with a message of gratitude to Hoosier Nation.
And make no mistake - Cooper’s decision is well-earned.
The Indianapolis native capped off his junior season as Indiana’s leading receiver, hauling in 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. His combination of route-running polish, reliable hands, and big-play ability made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries all year long. Over the course of his Hoosier career, he totaled 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns - numbers that speak to both his consistency and his knack for showing up in big moments.
Cooper joins quarterback Fernando Mendoza and defensive back D’Angelo Ponds as the trio of IU underclassmen electing to enter the draft. All three played key roles in Indiana’s title-winning campaign and now take their talents to the next level.
But while the Hoosiers are saying goodbye to some high-impact contributors, the program’s momentum isn’t slowing down.
Indiana’s already been active in the transfer portal, bolstering the receiver room with two notable additions: Michigan State’s Nick Marsh and Tulane’s Shazz Preston. Both bring experience and upside, and they’ll be counted on to help fill the void left by Cooper’s departure.
Meanwhile, several key veterans have announced they’re running it back in Bloomington for 2026. Offensive linemen Bray Lynch and Carter Smith, defensive linemen Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino, wide receiver Charlie Becker, and defensive back Amare Ferrell have all confirmed they’ll return next season - a major boost for a team looking to defend its crown.
So while IU fans will no longer see No. 3 lining up out wide in Memorial Stadium, Cooper’s legacy is secure. He helped lead the Hoosiers to the mountaintop, and now he’s got his sights set on the NFL. And for Indiana, the work of reloading - not rebuilding - is already well underway.