The 2026 NFL Draft is here, and the Indiana Hoosiers are going to be well-represented. Coming off a historic National Championship-winning season, the IU football program is poised for a monster showing in the NFL Draft.
There is plenty of chatter surrounding Indiana's potential draft class, which is headlined by Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza. Slated to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, Mendoza has a chance to be a franchise-changing pick as the Raiders enter a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak.
But Indiana's draft class goes much deeper than Mendoza. There could be as many as 9-12 Hoosiers drafted when it's all said and done, and two players could turn the draft upside down if they are selected higher than what their current projections are saying.
ALSO READ: Predicting where every Indiana Hoosier will be picked in the 2026 NFL Draft
WR Omar Cooper Jr.
Omar Cooper Jr. has done nothing but raise his draft stock over the last few months. Cooper led all IU receivers with 69 catches and 936 receiving yards to go along with 13 touchdowns this past season. When the season concluded, he was projected to be a late first round or early second round selection. But now, all signs to Cooper joining Mendoza in the first round.
In a full 237-pick mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid earlier this week, Cooper is slated to be picked with the No. 19 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Given the fact that the Panthers are looking to keep giving Bryce Young as many receiving weapons as possible, that seems very likely. But don't be surprised if Cooper moves up in the first round. Other intriguing first round landing spots for Cooper include the Rams at No. 13 overall and the Jets at No. 16 overall.
CB D'Angelo Ponds
CB D'Angelo Ponds is another Hoosier who continues to raise his draft stock every chance he gets. The talented defensive back put on a show at the NFL Combine in February, as he posted an impressive 43.5-inch vertical jump. That mark was tied for second among all participants this year and fourth in combine history among cornerbacks.
Ponds is slated as a mid-to-late second round pick among most industry experts, but he could very well make his way up to the front of the second round. Teams looking for defensive help, specifically in the secondary, who could make for ideal landing spots for Ponds include the Bengals at No. 41 overall, the Jets at No. 44 overall, the Colts at No. 47 overall, the Panthers at No. 51 overall.
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