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
1. Fernando Mendoza, QB
This 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, OT
Carter 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., WR
Wide 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, DE
A 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.
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