IU football can set new standards and end long streaks at this year’s NFL Draft.
The program hasn’t had a No. 1 overall pick since Corby Davis in 1938, and it hasn’t had a first round pick since Thomas Lewis in 1994. Those two runs appear certain to end.
The most players Indiana has had drafted in a single year was seven in 1976 — during an era when there were a lot more rounds and a lot more players selected. Six IU players were drafted in 1944 and 1947.
Will the record for most Hoosiers chosen in a draft come to an end as well? That’s not as clear.
ESPN’s Matt Miller projected all seven rounds and 257 draft picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. In total he says six Hoosiers will be chosen.
Here is where Miller projects each IU player to go, and what he had to say about them:
FIRST ROUND
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
As soon as the Raiders were locked in with the first overall pick, they were expected to select a quarterback, and Mendoza is the clear QB1. Mendoza is a smart, accurate, poised quarterback with enough arm talent and mobility to be a threat, but his trademark is his ability to layer the ball as a thrower to the right spot for his receivers. He threw an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes and just six interceptions last season en route to a Heisman Trophy and national championship.
26. Buffalo Bills
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The DJ Moore trade helps next season, but the 29-year-old receiver is on the decline. Cooper is an accomplished route runner with experience in the slot and on the outside. He’s dependable with great hands — only three drops on 94 targets last season — and the physicality to run through contact before and after the catch.
SECOND ROUND
51. Carolina Panthers
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
If you want to see the pound-for-pound toughest player in this draft class, turn on Ponds’ tape. A slot cornerback with elite ability to blitz off the edge or lock up slot receivers, Ponds is a playmaker who routinely shows up in the biggest moments.
THIRD ROUND
94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN)
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
After adding Lemon in Round 1, Miami needs a physical wideout who can win on the outside. That’s Sarratt (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), who has a route tree that often leaves him open against press coverage.
FIFTH ROUND
156. Indianapolis Colts — Aiden Fisher, LB
SEVENTH ROUND
252. Los Angeles Rams — Pat Coogan, C
The 2026 NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. on April 23 — the same time IU football’s spring game begins.
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