After thinking that Indiana was potentially going to have to play this game without quarterback Fernando Mendoza after a huge hit on the first play of the game, Indiana fans thought they could breathe a little easier. Instead, the Hoosiers have been dealt some tough injury news that will certainly hurt the offense.
After the Hoosiers scored a field goal on a drive that came from an interception from the defense, wide receiver Oamr Cooper Jr. could be seen going in and out of the medical tent on the sideline. During Indiana's next offensive drive, sideline reporter Jenny Taft gave an update on what was happening with one of the Hoosiers' top wide receivers.
"Something I've been monitoring down here for Indiana, Omar Cooper Jr. currently questionable (to return)," Taft said. "A lower-body injury, Gus. He's been limping in and out of the medical talent. They have been examining his right leg, his right side, his knee, his ankle. He just left for the locker room."
Omar Cooper Jr. is questionable to return, per @JennyTaft ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6nsUDOAyNP
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 7, 2025
Copper has yet to come out of the locker room, which doesn't spell good news for the Hoosiers, who are already struggling a bit to get through this elite Ohio State defense.
Indiana will have to turn to other wide receivers in Omar Cooper Jr.'s absence
This is not the first time Indiana has been down a top wide receiver, as the Hoosiers' leading receiver this season, Elijah Sarratt, went down with an injury in the middle of the season. Cooper was one player who stepped up a lot during that time, even catching the game-winning touchdown against Penn State that saved Indiana's undefeated season.
There was another receiver that stepped up, though, and that was Charlie Becker, a sophomore for the Hoosiers. Becker has 20 receptions on the season for 389 yards and two touchdowns. While not contributing the most for Indiana, he already has one reception for 10 yards against Ohio State.
The Buckeyes are going to give Sarratt a lot of attention with Cooper out right now, so Becker could be one guy who could really step up for Indiana in this game.