The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off the most successful season in school history, having reached the College Football Playoff and securing their first-ever 10-win season. Despite that, only two Hoosiers were selected in the NFL Draft—and both on Day Three. The silver lining: plenty of talent returns, with ten players on my board entering the season with draft-able grades.
The headliner is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from Cal, who’s on track to become the highest-drafted QB in program history. While two defenders, Mikail Kamara and D’Angelo Ponds, carry Day Two grades going into the season. Altogether, this group gives Indiana a real shot at another strong season and could send a record number of Hoosiers to the NFL.
Indiana’s 2026 NFL Draft prospects
QB: Fernando Mendoza
Preseason Grade: First Round
Mendoza, a transfer from California, gives Indiana what could be the best quarterback in program history. He checks every box for a first-round NFL prospect and is expected to thrive in the Hoosiers’ offense this season. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he brings prototypical NFL size paired with impressive athleticism for his frame—capable of delivering throws under pressure and on the move in sprint-out concepts. He also owns the arm strength to push the ball downfield and make off-platform throws. One of his strongest traits is his quick release; according to Pro Football Focus, he averaged just 2.59 seconds to get the ball out last season.
DE: Mikail Kamara
Preseason Grade: Third Round
One of the most productive defenders in the Big Ten last season was Mikail Kamara, who posted 47 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Despite his production, his lack of length at 6-foot-1 raises questions about his NFL fit. Indiana is trying to expand his versatility by having him drop into coverage more this season, but he doesn’t have the hip fluidity to play as a 4-3 outside linebacker. His most realistic projection is as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.
CB: D’Angelo Ponds
Preseason Grade: Third Round
Look for NFL teams to view D’Angelo Ponds as one of the top nickel corner prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. He brings several traits that fit the role, including excellent ball skills with 27 pass deflections over the past two seasons. He also displays quick feet and loose hips, allowing him to mirror even the quickest slot receivers. At just 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, he lacks the ideal size for an outside corner, but his physical traits and instincts make him a strong fit inside.
WR: Elijah Sarratt
Preseason Grade: Fifth Round
Elijah Sarratt was one of Indiana’s top offensive weapons last season, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors. He stood out in contested catch situations, especially on back-shoulder fades, tying for seventh in the nation with 16 contested grabs. At 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds, he shows impressive agility for his size and consistently adjusts to off-target throws. One area he’s working to improve is his speed. Without a strong 40-yard dash time after the season, it’s unlikely he’ll rise above day three in the 2026 NFL Draft.
LB: Aiden Fisher
Preseason Grade: Fifth Round
Another highly productive defender on the Hoosiers' defense is linebacker Aiden Fisher. He became the program’s first-ever All-American at the position after recording 118 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss last season. Despite that production, Fisher lacks the physical tools to project as more than a day-three pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He struggles in coverage, allowing a 76% completion rate and earning just a 50.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. His speed is also average, limiting his range. Still, his football IQ, toughness, and consistent output could earn him a role as a dependable NFL backup.
"It’s hard to put into words how important Aiden Fisher has been. He’s my mouthpiece to the guys on the field. He’s the unquestioned leader."IU defensive coordinator Bryant Haines
S: Amare Ferrell
Preseason Grade: Fifth Round
An intriguing Day Three prospect, Amare Ferrell stands out for his well-rounded game. He’s a physical, aggressive run defender who’s comfortable playing in the box. In coverage, he shows fluid hips for a 6-foot-2 safety and has even logged snaps at nickel, highlighting his versatility in Indiana’s secondary.
WR: Omar Cooper Jr.
Preseason Grade: Sixth Round
Omar Cooper Jr. may have more raw upside than Elijah Sarratt, but if he wants to rise in the draft, he'll need to stay locked in and show more consistent effort on a daily basis. Despite concerns about his work ethic and a modest stat line of just 28 receptions last season, he still earns a draftable grade due to his big-play ability. Cooper led the Big Ten with a 21.2 yards per catch average, showing he can stretch the field. He also flashed NFL-caliber traits with a highlight-reel touchdown grab against Maryland that showcased his body control and ball skills.
OMAR COOPER JR. WOWW! 😎 @IndianaFootball
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024
Hoosiers on top! pic.twitter.com/1uVkRIKvnV
OT: Carter Smith
Preseason Grade: Sixth Round
Carter Smith enters his third year as Indiana’s starting left tackle and stands out as one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He consistently finishes blocks and allowed just two sacks in pass protection last season. However, due to his limited foot quickness and average athleticism, his best fit at the next level may be at guard rather than tackle.
C: Pat Coogan
Preseason Grade: Sixth Round
Another Indiana offensive lineman who enters the season with a sixth-round draft grade is center Pat Coogan. He transferred from Notre Dame, where he began last season as a backup guard before stepping in at center after an early injury. As a prospect, he’s a solid technician with good grip strength and moves well in pass protection. However, his limited athleticism and lack of quickness likely make him best suited for a backup role in the NFL.
RB: Roman Hemby
Preseason Grade: Seventh Round
Roman Hemby arrives at Indiana looking to rebound after a down year at Maryland. He rushed for just 607 yards last season, his lowest output since 2021 when he carried the ball only 17 times. Still, he remains a proven asset in the passing game, hauling in 40 receptions with just one drop. As a runner, Hemby displays strong contact balance, regularly shedding tackles, and he’s been dependable with ball security, recording only one fumble across 480 career carries. To boost his draft stock, he’ll need to improve in pass protection. His footwork on contact is inconsistent and often gets him overpowered.