The Indiana Hoosiers will set a program record with nine players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine that took place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Following a 16-0 season, the national champions were well represented at the on-field workouts in Indianapolis.
With all eyes will be on Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza who is a favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Hoosiers had other players catching the eyes of NFL teams like wide receivers Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr. and cornerback D’Angelo Ponds.
While those players were out to secure their NFL Draft stock, players who were looking to increase their stock were cornerback Louis Moore, linebacker Aidan Fisher and running back Roman Hemby amongst others. NFL Mocks takes a Post-NFL Combine look at the results and NFL destinations for the nine prospects who were invited to the league annual scouting event.
Here’s the full list of Hoosiers inivited to the scouting event:
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Fernando Mendoza | Quarterback |
Elijah Sarratt | Wide Receiver |
Omar Cooper Jr. | Wide Receiver |
Roman Hemby | Running Back |
Riley Nowakowski | Tight End |
Aidan Fisher | Linebacker |
D'Angelo Ponds | Cornerback |
Pat Coogan | Center |
Louis Moore | Cornerback |
2026 NFL Draft: When, where and how to watch
- Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026, through Saturday April 26, 2026
- Location: Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
NFL Draft projections for the top 9 Indiana Hoosiers prospects
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 236 lbs
- Age: 22
- NFL Draft projection: No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza didn’t partake in NFL Combine activities, but it’s what he said that solidifies him as the top QB in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Heisman Trophy winner is destined to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, a team with a new head coach in Klink Kubiak and minority owner in Tom Brady, who just happens to be a quarterback legend and 7-time Super Bowl Champion. At the Combine, Mendoza said he’s looking forward to an opportunity to be mentored by the former Patriots’ QB.
“Yeah, I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady? I mean, more Super Bowl rings than anybody…anybody!” Mendoza said, via NFL.com. “So, that opportunity would be fantastic. Tom Brady, I believe, is the greatest quarterback of all time – by a wide margin – and to be able to have the opportunity to be mentored by him, would—mean so much.”
- Other teams with eyes on Mendoza: Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Age: 22
- NFL Draft projection: No. 35 overall to the Tennessee Titans
Elijah Sarratt did not participate in testing at the Combine, so scouts will have to wait to see the highly productive wide receiver at Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1. Characterized as a QB’s best friend (looking at you Cam Ward), Sarratt is a reliable route runner with the physical skills to win contested catches. At Indiana, he was everywhere he needed to be to make the clutch catches in the team’s national championship run. Doesn’t have top-end speed, which might’ve made it a smart move not to participate in activities.
- Other teams with eyes on Sarratt: Denver Broncos, New York Giants
Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 201 lbs
- Age: 22
- NFL Draft projection: No. 26 overall to the Buffalo Bills
Omar Cooper Jr. was one of the winners of the NFL Combine. In running a 4.42 second 40-yard dash and recording a 37-inch vertical and 1.55 second 10-yard split, the former Indiana wide receiver has raised his stock to a late first round pick, which means he should be a target for a team like the Buffalo Bills. Given his route running and powerhouse ability for the slot, Cooper Jr would instantly be a favorite target for Josh Allen, especially given his run after the catch ability and physicality when fighting for yards.
- Note: The Bills traded for DJ Moore to be their top receiver, but should still target another receiver in the draft.
- Other teams with eyes on Tate: Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos
Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Age: 23
- NFL Draft projection: No. 121 overall to the New Orleans Saints
Roman Hemby doesn’t stand out as one of the top running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he is one of the more productive ones. In helping the Hoosiers take home the title, Hemby rushed for 1,120 on 230 carries with 7 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 17 receptions for 165 yards. He is not known as a game breaker, but he is a solid running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. Hemby didn’t not participate in any testing at the combine, but his production at Indiana should intrigue a team like the New Orleans Saints in the middle rounds. With Alvin Kamara towards the end of his NFL career, the Saints are looking for running back help and depth. Hemby would be a good rotational running back behind the veteran.
Other teams with eyes on Hemby: Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 5’9”
- Weight: 182 lbs
- Age: 22
- NFL Draft projection: No. 40 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs
D’Angelo Ponds is going to be a name on most team’s radar. If he wasn’t already risen NFL draft boards after his stellar performance during the Indiana Hoosiers national championship run, he put himself on the vision board of NFL Scouts with his performance at the NFL Combine. Ponds didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash but impressed with the 43.5” vertical jump and recorded a production score of 83 which ranked first amongst cornerbacks. After trading Trent McDuffie, the Kansas City Chiefs are a team that jumps on the radar when it comes to draft fits for the feisty, young corner.
- Other teams with eyes on Ponds: Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, New York Jets
Aidan Fisher, LB, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 231 lbs
- Age: 22
- NFL Draft projection: No. 125 overall to the New England Patriots
An unsung hero who went under the radar during the Hoosiers championship run, Aidan Fisher is a mid-round prospect who has the potential and skillset to flourish at the next level. Great against the run, the middle linebacker plays the game with absolute fire. At the combine, he ranked 3rd amongst linebackers in production score. Although he brings leadership skills, Fisher will need to work on his open field tackling at the NFL level. Under the right coach and the right energy around him, he could morph as a rotational middle linebacker and elevate as a starter eventually. Sounds like a guy for Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots.
- Other teams with eyes on Fisher: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills
Pat Coogan, OG, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 311 lbs
- Age: 23
- NFL Draft projection: No. 155 to the Detroit Lions
A solid interior offensive lineman with strong communication skills, Pat Coogan has the makings of a late round find for teams looking for interior line depth or possibly a center. While he didn’t over impress at the NFL Combine, Coogan is solid in pass protection and really utilizes his skillset in gap scheme or inside zone. Following the retirement of Frank Ragnow, I could see Coogan as a fifth round target for the Lions.
- Other teams with eyes on Coogan: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers
Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 243 lbs
- Age: Unknown
- NFL Draft projection: No. 229 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tight end Riley Nowakowski had a good showing at the NFL Combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.66 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.7 seconds, and a 33.5” vertical jump. As a player who was a walk on, Riley Nowakowski established himself at Indiana as a tight end, H-back player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. That professionalism and versatility will make for a solid late-round selection for a team looking for a hybrid tight end who can also contribute on special teams. He could be a late-round fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Other teams with eyes on Nowakowski: Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers
Louis Moore, S, Indiana Hoosiers
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 191 lbs
- Age: 25
- NFL Draft projection: No. 187 to the Cincinnati Bengals
A leader in the secondary, Louis Moore projects as a solid safety at the NFL level. In recording 6 interceptions in 2025, Moore emerged as a ball hawk in his final season with the Hoosiers and will bring depth to any team that drafts him. He does lack the size and physicality needed to match up against the elite wide receivers in the NFL but has the High IQ and discipline to be a solid contributor with the upside of a possible starter in the league at the safety position. A team in need of safety help like the Cincinnati Bengals should have Moore as a mid-to-late round option.
- Other teams with eyes on Moore: Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys