Omar Cooper Jr. was one of Indiana's key players during last year's National Championship-winning season. Along with Elijah Sarratt and Charlie Becker, Cooper was part of a well-rounded Hoosier receiving core that put up big numbers across the board. In total, Cooper ended the season leading the team in both catches (69) and receiving yards (937), while also racking up 13 touchdowns.
Indiana’s win over Western Kentucky had 2 clear catalysts stand above the rest
Following his collegiate career, he was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round with the 30th overall selection during the 2026 NFL Draft back in April. He joined No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza as the first pair of Hoosier teammates to be picked in the first round of the same NFL Draft in program history.
Heading into his rookie season, Cooper was poised to make an instant impact in the New York passing attack. But now that mission is on hold.
Omar Cooper Jr. lands on IR with ankle sprain
After just one game, Cooper is heading to Injured Reserve. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Cooper suffered a sprained ankle last week, which will now land him on IR. Thus, he will be out for at least four games, with his closest possible return coming in Week 6 against the Patriots.
However, the good news is that Rapoport states that Cooper will be designated to return shortly. So, his injury doesn't appear to be long-term. Hopefully the former Hoosier great is able to get back to full health in the next four weeks and return to the gridiron in Week 6 against New England.
#Jets rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr. is going to be placed on Injured Reserve, sources say, giving him four weeks to recover from his ankle sprain. He’ll be designated to return and should be back shortly. pic.twitter.com/iKpPYt9wq9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 19, 2026
Omar Cooper Jr. is one of several former Hoosiers making strong NFL first impressions
Cooper had a relatively quiet debut, as he had just a single catch. But it was a big one, as he showed his elite speed and playmaking ability by racking up 30 yards––with most of them coming after the catch.
Omar Cooper Jr.’s first NFL catch.
— Ian Plaskoff (@ian_plaskoff) September 13, 2026
A 30-yard catch-and-run with a double spin cycle. Nice. #iufb pic.twitter.com/YJLsdK2MhP
Coming off their title-winning season, the Hoosiers set a program record by having eight players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The class was headlined by Mendoza and Cooper going in the first round, and saw six other playmakers hear their names called. Here is a look at Indiana's full 2026 NFL Draft class:
- QB Fernando Mendoza: Round 1, Pick 1 (Las Vegas Raiders)
- WR Omar Cooper Jr: Round 1, Pick 30 (New York Jets)
- CB D'Angelo Ponds: Round 2, Pick 50 (New York Jets)
- RB Kaelon Black: Round 3, Pick 90 (San Francisco 49ers)
- WR Elijah Sarratt: Round 4, Pick 115 (Baltimore Ravens)
- TE Riley Nowakowski: Round 5, Pick 169 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- C Pat Coogan: Round 6, Pick 194 (Tennessee Titans)
- LB Aiden Fisher: Round 7, Pick 243 (Houston Texans)
A total of 18 former Hoosiers made 53-man rosters following training camp, and Indiana's eight rookies were among them. Several rookies put forth strong NFL debuts in Week 1. Most notably, Kaelon Black ran for 65 yards in the 49ers' Week 1 win over the Rams in Australia, and undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson was named Kansas City's starting left tackle for Week 1.
Benson became the first UDFA to start for the Chiefs in Week 1 during the Andy Reid era (since 2013). Benson thrived with his opportunity, as he didn't allow a single pressure on 34 pass-blocking snaps in the Chiefs' 31-10 victory over the Broncos.
Looking ahead, Hoosier football fans have plenty of former IU players to keep an eye on in Week 2.
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