IU football droughts are going to come to an end at the NFL Draft this spring.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza should be the first Hoosier chosen in the first round since Thomas Lewis in 1994. Indiana’s 31-year run without a first-round pick is currently the longest such streak in the FBS. And Mendoza appears almost certain to be IU’s first overall No. 1 pick since Corby Davis in 1938.
2026 could also end up being the draft when the most Hoosiers are selected.
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.
The Hoosiers have not had more than two players chosen in a single draft since 2016, but that also appears certain to change in April.
ESPN’s Matt Miller posted his latest two-round projection for the 2026 NFL Draft, which starts April 23 in Pittsburgh. He believes four players from Indiana’s 2025 national championship team will be chosen in the first two rounds.
Here is where Miller projects IU players to be chosen in the first two rounds, and what he said about each player:
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This is a very easy decision for the Raiders — draft the quarterback. The Geno Smith trade did not work out, and the 2026 class features only one passer with a first-round grade. My No. 4 overall player, Mendoza gives the Raiders a franchise-caliber quarterback with excellent poise, decision-making, accuracy and toughness both in and out of the pocket, which he showed in winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to the national championship.
He can start from day one, and the Raiders have the offensive infrastructure around him in tackle Kolton Miller, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. Mendoza’s experience and proven ability to elevate those around him should make him a lock here.
37. New York Giants
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
As far as I’m concerned, Ponds is one of the best pure football players in this class. He’s the best nickelback available and was a consistent playmaker for the Hoosiers, with seven career interceptions.
43. Miami Dolphins
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper is one of the best ball-tracking receivers in the class and can make an immediate impact from the slot. With Tyreek Hill’s future in question after a season-ending knee injury, this would be a need pick for Miami’s new front office.
63. New England Patriots
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
The Patriots made the Super Bowl with an ensemble cast at receiver led by 32-year-old Stefon Diggs. So getting a future WR1 should be a priority. Sarratt has some Courtland Sutton similarities and would complement Drake Maye’s timing and accuracy well.
There are other Hoosiers clearly on the NFL Draft/free agency radar, including linebacker Aiden Fisher, running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, center Pat Coogan, edge Mikail Kamara, safeties Louis Moore and Devan Boykin, tight end Riley Nowakowski, and possibly others.
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