A record-setting nine former Indiana University football players are gearing up to showcase their skills at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis. This week promises to be a thrilling one for IU fans as these talented athletes take center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here's the rundown of when each player will hit the field:
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Aiden Fisher will represent the linebackers and defensive linemen.
- Friday, Feb. 27: Defensive backs D’Angelo Ponds and Louis Moore, along with tight end Riley Nowakowski, will show their stuff.
- Saturday, Feb. 28: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, including Fernando Mendoza, Omar Cooper Jr., Elijah Sarratt, and Roman Hemby, take their turn.
- Sunday, March 1: Offensive lineman Pat Coogan rounds out the group.
The action kicks off at 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, then shifts to a 1 p.m. start on Saturday and Sunday.
Participants have the option to select which drills they want to tackle. Among the highlights are the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and the 20- and 60-yard shuttles. Each position group also has its own set of specialized drills to test specific skills.
Notably, Fernando Mendoza has opted not to throw at the combine, saving his arm for Indiana's Pro Day in Bloomington. This decision adds an interesting twist, as scouts will eagerly await his performance on his home turf.
As these Hoosiers step into the national spotlight, the anticipation is palpable. Whether they're flying down the track or showcasing their strength and agility, each player has a chance to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts and fans alike.