The Indiana University football program is celebrating a historic milestone as it prepares to send an unprecedented contingent to the upcoming NFL Combine. With nine former Hoosiers receiving invitations to showcase their talents in Indianapolis, the program has shattered its previous single-year record, signaling a new era of success for IU on the professional stage.
This year's combine, scheduled from February 23 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium, serves as the premier evaluation event for the 2026 NFL Draft. Indiana securing nine spots at this prestigious gathering speaks volumes about talent development within the program and the national recognition these players earned through their collegiate careers. For a program that has traditionally flown under the radar in the Big Ten, this level of representation represents a watershed moment.
The nine athletes representing the Cream and Crimson include a diverse array of positions, highlighting the program's well-rounded development. Leading the group is quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose stellar play has positioned him as one of the draft's most intriguing prospects. Joining him are running back Roman Hemby, who showcased explosive playmaking ability; wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, who formed one of the Big Ten's most dynamic duos; tight end Riley Nowakowski, a reliable red-zone target; offensive lineman Pat Coogan, the anchor of the offensive front; linebacker Aiden Fisher, a tackling machine; cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, a lockdown defender; and safety Louis Moore, a ball-hawking presence in the secondary. This collection represents the backbone of Indiana's most successful season in recent memory.
The positional diversity is particularly noteworthy. Having a quarterback, running back, two wide receivers, a tight end, an offensive lineman, a linebacker, a cornerback, and a safety all invited suggests comprehensive program development rather than reliance on a single star. NFL teams will evaluate Indiana's talent across multiple drills, providing a broad showcase for the program's coaching capabilities.
While Mendoza's presence will generate significant buzz, his participation will be limited. According to program sources, the signal-caller is not expected to take part in on-field workouts, though he will be available for crucial interviews with front-office personnel from all 32 NFL teams. These interviews often carry as much weight as physical performances, giving teams an opportunity to assess a player's football IQ, character, leadership, and mental processing abilities. Teams will want to understand his command of complex offensive systems, his ability to read defenses, and his potential to be a franchise quarterback. Mendoza's decision likely stems from a strategic approach to his draft preparation, as he plans to showcase his physical tools fully at Indiana's Pro Day on April 1st.
The Pro Day represents another critical checkpoint, giving players a chance to perform in familiar surroundings under the watchful eyes of NFL scouts. For Mendoza, it will be his opportunity to demonstrate the arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism that made him a Big Ten standout. For the other eight combine invitees, the Pro Day offers a chance to improve upon combine performances or address specific questions about their skill sets.
While celebrating the nine invitations, it's worth noting that several other Hoosiers with professional aspirations did not receive combine invites. Among those snubs are running back Kaelon Black, wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr., defensive ends Mikail Kamara, Kellan Wyatt, and Stephen Daley, and safety Devan Boykin. However, the lack of a combine invitation doesn't spell the end of their NFL dreams. Black recently showcased his abilities at the Reese's Senior Bowl, which attracts dozens of scouts and NFL executives. That performance, combined with strong Pro Day showings, could still propel these players into draft consideration or priority free-agent opportunities. The Senior Bowl experience gave Black valuable exposure and verified his ability to compete against top-tier talent.
The significance of Indiana's combine success extends far beyond the event itself. Draft analysts project this could be the most fruitful NFL Draft cycle in program history. The buzz surrounding Mendoza has reached fever pitch, with many mock drafts installing him as the heavy favorite to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. If that prediction comes to fruition, Mendoza would become Indiana's first-ever No. 1 overall selection, cementing his legacy and elevating the program's national profile.
The potential for early-round selections doesn't end with Mendoza. Wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., along with cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, are all projected as potential top-two round picks. This concentration of high-end talent suggests Indiana could have as many as four players selected within the first 64 picks—an almost unthinkable scenario for a program that has historically struggled to produce premium draft capital.
To put this achievement in perspective, one must understand Indiana's draft history. Since the NFL Draft adopted its current seven-round format in 1994, the Hoosiers have never had more than three players selected in a single year. The program's all-time record for draft picks in one year dates back to 1976, when seven Hoosiers heard their names called. That record has stood for nearly five decades but appears poised to fall in spectacular fashion. The fact that IU might double or even triple that historic mark shows how far the program has come.
Current NFL mock drafts vary in their projections, but the consensus suggests anywhere from seven to 15 Indiana players could be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even the most conservative estimate would double the program's modern-era record, while the optimistic end of that range would place Indiana among the elite talent-producing schools in the nation for this cycle.
This unprecedented draft potential represents a seismic shift for Indiana football. For years, the program has fought for respect in the talent-rich Big Ten conference. Now, with a record number of combine invitations and the potential for a historic draft class, the Hoosiers are forcing the NFL world to take notice. The development of these players speaks to improved recruiting, coaching, and player development, suggesting this success may not be a one-year anomaly but rather the beginning of a sustainable pipeline to the professional ranks.
The impact on recruiting cannot be understated. When high school prospects see Indiana players flooding the combine and hear about potential first-round picks, it validates the program's ability to prepare them for the next level. This creates a virtuous cycle where better recruits lead to better players, which leads to more draft success, which in turn attracts even better recruits.
As the combine approaches, all eyes will be on the nine Hoosiers in Indianapolis. Their performances in position-specific drills, athletic testing, and team interviews will help shape their draft stock and the future perception of Indiana football. Regardless of the final numbers on draft day, this record-breaking combine contingent has already achieved something special for the program, its players, and its passionate fan base. The Hoosiers have arrived on the national stage, and the NFL is ready to welcome them with open arms.