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After the College Football Playoff game wraps up on Monday, January 19, players from the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes will start to declare for the 2026 NFL draft. This year’s event is set for for Thursday, April 23 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with all rounds taking place at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium.So, when it comes to the Hoosiers, which Indiana players are the best NFL prospects on the roster? Let’s look at the research and numbers.5 Best NFL Prospects From the Indiana Hoosiers View this post on Instagram 1. Fernando Mendoza, QBThis one is a no-brainer. Fernando Mendoza is obviously the most in-demand player in the College Football Championship, out of both teams.Mendoza came into the season as a potential first-round pick, and now, he’s No. 1. The Las Vegas Raiders are largely expected to draft him with their No. 1 overall pick.“With the ideal size of 6’5″ and 225 pounds, Mendoza possesses the physical attributes that NFL teams covet in a quarterback,” the NFL Mock Draft Database says. “His intelligence on the field is evident in his pre-snap reads, audibles, pocket presence, and ability to excel in two-minute situations.”They add, “Mendoza also boasts a rare combination of a quick release and a strong arm, allowing him to make ‘NFL throws’ like a hole shot from the far hash. Despite finishing 13-for-23 for 233 yards in a recent game against Iowa, Mendoza consistently showcases his ability to attack all areas of the field with precision.”2. Carter Smith, OTCarter Smith is an athletic 6-foot-5, 313-pounder and one of college football’s elite pass protectors. He’s likely to be picked inside the top 50 in the draft.One of Smith’s strength, according to NFL Draft Buzz, is that he “possesses grip strength that borders on unfair for finesse rushers who find their counters neutralized the moment Smith’s hands clamp onto their frame, creating a vise that eliminates swim and spin attempts.”They add that he also “devastates opponents as a run blocker with explosive pad level off the snap, generating torque through his hips and core to seal edges on stretch plays or pancake defenders on inside power schemes.”3. Omar Cooper Jr., WRWide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. will likely hear his name called early in the draft.“There is no denying that the key to the Hoosiers’ passing attack is their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, but Cooper is the sort of dynamic athlete that makes life easier for any signal-caller,” Fox Sports says of him. “Boasting a compact build (6-0, 204 pounds), the redshirt junior is a natural playmaker with more touchdowns scored (21) than games started (17). Though he’s averaged 15.7 yards gained over his 110 career receptions, Cooper is perhaps most effective on underneath routes, such as quick-screens and drags, where his vision, shiftiness and relatively low center of gravity help create yards after the catch.”They add that, “Because of his suddenness, Cooper is an effective combo-route runner, and he has a knack for making big plays in big moments, as evidenced by his 75-yard rushing touchdown against Ohio State in 2024 as well as his game-winning, toe-tapping score in the back of the end zone against Penn State from earlier this season.”4. D’Angelo Ponds, CB“D’Angelo Ponds is the type of competitive, athletic and playmaking cornerback that coaches want in their secondary,” Bleacher Report nots of D’Angelo Ponds. “He plays bigger than his size and doesn’t back down to any receiver. With great footwork, feel for space and timing, Ponds continuously makes plays on the football and frustrates receivers with his closing speed and attention to detail.5. Mikail Kamara, DEA good edge rusher is hard to find, but the Indiana Hoosiers have one in Mikail Kamara. He has potential and is projected as a later-round pick, but if he plays well in the final game, that draft stock will go up. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published…

One of the first offseason moves for the Cincinnati Bengals comes on the offensive side of the ball.The Bengals have signed tight end Tanner Hudson to a one-year contract extension through the 2026 season. We have signed TE Tanner Hudson to a one-year contract extension. 📰: https://t.co/gCFFpjKPdO pic.twitter.com/wRX5NTfwud — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 19, 2026 Hudson, who will be seven-year veteran in the NFL, has played 38 games for the Bengals. He caught 77 passes for 674 yards and four touchdowns, including 19 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.“Hudson has emerged as a consistent pass-catcher and a reliable safety valve for the offense, earning the trust of the coaching staff during a year of high volatility at the quarterback position,” Yago Antunes wrote in a Clutch Sports article. “By securing his services through the 2026 season, the team provides Joe Burrow with a proven target as they look to rebuild their offensive identity and return to the high-scoring production that defined their previous Super Bowl run.”Cincinnati Bengals Remain Loaded on OffenseHudson will stay in a tight end room featuring Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Erick All, and Cam Grandy. Hudson will be a solid part of an impressive pass-catching group through the 2026 season.In 2025, the Bengals signed Ja’Maar Chase and Tee Higgins to lucrative long-term contracts with Chase signing a four-year $161 million extension and Higgins signing a four-year, $115 million deal, being the highest paid wide receiver duo in the NFL.Chase is coming off a vintage 2025 season where he was named First Team All-Pro, hauling in 125 catches for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns. Tee Higgins had 59 catches for 846 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 15 games.Running Back Chase Brown rushed for 1,019 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 17 games. GettyTee Higgins #5, Ja’Marr Chase #1, and Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals. For the past three years, offense has not been the issue for the Bengals.During the 2024 season, the Bengals had the first-ranked passing offense in the NFL off of an impressive season from Joe Burrow. In 2025, they ranked 6th with Joe Burrow being out for the vast majority of the season.The problem for the Bengals has been on the defensive side of the ball ranking 31st in total defense in the 2025 season. They ranked 26th in passing defense and 32nd in rushing defense which is dead last.Can Joe Burrow Stay Healthy?Joe Burrow has proven to be a top quarterback in the NFL, but Burrow’s inability to stay on the field has been an issue.Injuries have plagued Joe Burrow over the years which have contributed to the Bengals lack of success, including the 2025 season where the Bengals finished the season 6-11.Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury which kept him out for 9 games in 2025. During the 2023 season, Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist which caused him to miss the rest of the 2023 season. He also suffered a significant knee injury in his rookie year.The Bengals have had success with Burrow being on field appearing in a Super Bowl in 2021 and an AFC Championship game appearance in 2022.Now that Tanner Hudson is inked through the 2026 season, the Bengals will hope to get back to the playoffs with another weapon on Burrow’s belt. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Bengals Sign ‘Proven Target’ Pass Catcher for Joe Burrow appeared first on Heavy Sports.

When speaking on the Foul Territory podcast, Jim Bowden made it clear why the Toronto Blue Jays have not been aggressive in pursuing Cody Bellinger. Bowden, a former MLB executive and general manager of the year, laid out why Toronto has not pursued Bellinger with the same urgency it showed in the Kyle Tucker talks. He repeatedly returned to one core concern: “It’s the risk with how he’s gonna age with the swing,” Bowden said. He added, “It’s the risk we saw him fail in Chicago.” “A year ago, the Cubs had to eat part of the contract in order to trade him to the Yankees. A few years ago we saw him struggle with the Dodgers and they moved on from him.” From Bowden’s perspective, this is exactly how presidents and general managers are wired to think when long-term money is involved.  They look at history and are saying what’s the risk,” Bowden explained. “If we were to sign him long term, what’s the risk?” That question, more than upside or recent production, helps explain why the Blue Jays have been far more cautious in the Bellinger market than some of their competitors. Why the Blue Jays Aren’t All-In on Cody Bellinger The “Cody Bellinger sweepstakes” has been one of the defining storylines of the offseason, with the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Giants, and Blue Jays all linked at various points. After a strong 2025 season in New York, Bellinger entered free agency seeking a long-term and high-value deal. Projections for Bellinger’s deal have been hovering around seven years and $155-175 million. Reports of aggressive Yankees interest have only raised the stakes. Yet Bowden made it clear why Toronto’s approach differs from how it pursued Kyle Tucker. “I would have been fine giving Kyle Tucker 10 years, $350 million like the Blue Jays offered,” Bowden said. “I feel like Bellinger is not that player for me.”  That distinction matters.  Tucker’s consistency is the difference maker between the two. Bellinger carries volatility that makes a seven-to-nine-year deal uncomfortable. For the Blue Jays, Bowden framed that caution as not being cheap or passive. It’s about avoiding a contract that could age poorly if Bellinger’s swing issues and inconsistencies resurface. Bowden emphasized that even strong recent seasons don’t erase his entire past. Bellinger’s Track Record Gives Front Offices Concern Bowden also made sure to acknowledge what makes Bellinger attractive. “I love him defensively,” he said. “He can play all three outfield positions and first base. I love the power. I love his MVP season with the Dodgers, last season with the Yankees, and one season with the Cubs.”  Bowden framed the problem of everything in between. Bellinger’s career arc has swung dramatically from MVP heights to prolonged struggles that forced both the Dodgers and Cubs to move off of him. During his 2019 MVP season with the Dodgers, Bellinger hit .305 with a .406 on-base percentage and a .629 slugging percentage. He also had 47 home runs with a 1.035 OPS and 9.0 WAR. In 2023 with the Cubs, he hit .307 with 26 home runs and then again last year with the Yankees he hit .272 with 29 home runs. “But where was the rest?” Bowden asked. In 2021, Bellinger hit just .165 with a .240 OBP and .302 slugging percentage, finishing with a .542 OPS and negative WAR. Even in 2022, his production remained well below star level with a .210 average and .654 OPS. That inconsistency is exactly what shows up when front offices look at making long term deals. “I don’t want to get stuck on a seven, eight, nine-year deal on a player where I don’t think I can count on him for most of those years,” Bowden said.  That line captures why Toronto hasn’t matched the aggression of other suitors so far. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Former MLB Exec of the Year Raises Major Red Flag in…

After an injury-filled 6-11 season, the Cincinnati Bengals decided to not panic and make any drastic changes to the organization. Team president Mike Brown released a statement after the regular season, in which he stated that the Bengals were retaining head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin. Brown said, “I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward. They have proven they can build and lead teams that compete for championships. We trust their plans and expect to return to our desired level of success.”Regarding his job security and his feelings going into next season, head coach Zac Taylor said, “I’m excited about the direction we’re headed.” He also said that he expected no changes in their current coaching staff. However, a new report may change those plans for Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals Could Lose Offensive Coordinator View this post on Instagram Despite their losing record, Cincinnati once again had one of the league’s top offenses. Even when starting quarterback Joe Burrow was out, the team was able to put up points with veteran Joe Flacco. As a result, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has been garnering interest around the league. On Jan. 9, Pitcher had an interview with the Cleveland Browns for their head coaching vacancy. Fortunately for the Bengals, Pitcher has not been scheduled for a second interview with the Browns as of now. Despite this, Pitcher’s future may still be with another NFL team as NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Pitcher will interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their offensive coordinator job. The offensive coordinator role in Tampa Bay would represent a lateral move for Pitcher from his current role, meaning the Bengals could opt to deny the request to interview him. However, Rapoport’s report also indicates that head coach Zac Taylor is allowing Pitcher to explore outside opportunities.Despite being with the Bengals in a variety of different roles since 2016, Pitcher has never called plays. The current playcaller for the Bengals is Zac Taylor, meanwhile, Pitcher would call plays for the Tampa Bay offense.Why Pitcher Might Consider LeavingA lateral move from a coordinator is rare in the NFL. When it does happen, it’s usually because a coach wants to increase their profile in hopes of improving their chances at landing a future head coaching job. A recent example of this is Eric Bienemy. He served as the Kansas City offensive coordinator for five seasons, but after several head coaching interviews that did not land him the job, he opted to leave Kansas City in a lateral move and go to Washington. The move did not work out for Bienemy as he lasted only a year with the Commanders.Fortunately for the Bengals, if Pitcher were to leave, a replacement is likely already in mind. Sports Illustrated’s James Rapien wrote that Brian Callahan would be a natural replacement for Pitcher. Callahan held the offensive coordinator job for four seasons with the Bengals, before taking on the Titans head coaching job in 2024. After being fired following the 2025 season, he could return to his former job with the Bengals. However, Callahan is also a candidate with the Chargers, Falcons, and Tampa Bay for their coordinator vacancy. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Bengals Dealt Potential Blow as Coach Explores Other Options appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The Seattle Seahawks are in the NFC title game and one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl. However, on Jan. 19, Seattle was dealt an unfortunate setback as running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This season, Charbonnet has recorded 184 carries for 730 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 16 games, per StatMuse. With the Los Angeles Rams coming to Seattle for their third meeting with the Seahawks, the question is: How do they replace Charbonnet? CBS Sports’ Charles Davis believes that Kenneth Walker III will need to carry the load against Los Angeles if the Seahawks want to make it to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX. “To me, you lean heavily on Kenneth Walker,” Davis said during a Jan. 19 appearance on CBS Sports HQ. “This time of year, you’re not worried about, ‘Oh, well, let’s make sure they’re both fresh.’ No, you run him till it’s over. He’s in a very good groove right now, the way he played. Cam Akers is on the practice squad, who has experience in this league, a former Ram, so they could always bring him up for additional help. But I do think you just lean on Walker. “It may change some of what you do in terms of running back in the passing game, but all in all, let’s say, ‘Let’s go Kenneth Walker.’ We saddled you up in the last ball game, almost 120 yards in that one [and] three touchdowns… But if Kenneth Walker runs the ball the way he did in the last game against San Francisco, they’re not going to worry too much about the third downs.”Mike Macdonald Talks Zach Charbonnet InjurySeahawks head coach Mike Macdonald struck an optimistic tone about the injury after the game, but that outlook changed soon after. During an appearance on Seattle Sports 710-AM on Jan. 19, Macdonald said Charbonnet will need surgery, a procedure expected to lead to an extensive rehab.“It breaks your heart,” Macdonald said (h/t ESPN). “He’s going to need surgery. So, he has … got a good long road to come back. Our heart goes out to him. Prayers go out to Charbs. We love him, man…“This guy is the epitome of what it means to be a Seahawk. Absolute tough as nails, great teammate, great human being, plays his tail off, detail-oriented, unselfish. This hurts, man. It hurts that it’s going on, but he’s going to be back. He’s going to be back stronger than ever, and the guys are going to pick him [up].”Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Under PressureSeattle cruised past the San Francisco 49ers with a dominant 41-6 win in the divisional round, but attention now shifts to Sam Darnold heading into the NFC title game. Los Angeles have picked off Darnold six times across two matchups this season, making ball security a major storyline. Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho pointed out that if Seattle wants to reach the Super Bowl, the quarterback must avoid the mistakes that plagued those games against the Rams.“Ram [and] Seahawks, they’ve played each other twice this season; Matthew Stafford has five touchdowns [and] no interceptions,” Acho said on the Dec. 18 edition of “Speakeasy.” “Sam Darnold has two touchdowns [and] six interceptions. Let that sink in. It’s not a conversation. The game of football is all about the football.“Matthew Stafford got five [touchdowns], no picks, in the two games combined. Sam Darnold got six picks in the two games combined. Average three picks a game. If Sam Darnold goes out there and starts throwing these picks, it’s going to be blouses before it gets started.” Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Seahawks Get Blunt Message Amid Zach Charbonnet Injury News appeared first on Heavy Sports.