Just a week removed from their historic national championship win in Miami, Indiana football’s offseason picture is starting to come into focus-and one of the program’s brightest stars is taking the next step.
Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., IU’s top target and a key piece of its title-winning offense, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Indianapolis native made the announcement on social media shortly after the news broke, signaling the end of a standout college career and the beginning of what could be a promising journey at the next level.
Cooper Jr. wasn’t just good last season-he was electric. He hauled in 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, consistently serving as the go-to option in clutch moments.
Whether it was stretching the field or making the tough grab over the middle, Cooper was the kind of receiver who made life easier for his quarterback and headaches for opposing secondaries. He finishes his time in Bloomington with 1,798 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns-numbers that speak to both his consistency and big-play ability.
He’s not the only Hoosier heading to the pros. Defensive back D’Angelo Ponds and quarterback Fernando Mendoza-both players with eligibility remaining-have also declared for the draft. That trio played pivotal roles in IU’s national title run, and their departures mark the end of an era for a team that reached the mountaintop in 2026.
But while the NFL-bound stars are moving on, the Hoosiers aren’t exactly hitting reset. In fact, they’ve already made some notable moves in the transfer portal to reload at key positions, particularly at wide receiver.
Michigan State’s Nick Marsh and Tulane’s Shazz Preston are both headed to Bloomington, giving IU two proven playmakers to help fill the void left by Cooper Jr.’s departure. Marsh brings size and physicality, while Preston adds speed and polish-two complementary skill sets that should give the Hoosiers options in the passing game.
And it’s not all about new faces. Several key veterans are running it back for another season in cream and crimson.
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 announced their return for 2026. That kind of continuity in the trenches and on defense is no small thing, especially for a team looking to defend its national title.
So while IU will look a little different next fall, the foundation is still strong. Cooper Jr.’s departure is a big one-there’s no sugarcoating that-but the Hoosiers are showing early signs that they’re not content with just one championship run. The pieces are already moving, and the 2026 roster is starting to take shape.