Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt Celebrates National Title at Raising Cane's

Hoosiers star prepares for NFL Draft after leading team to championship

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:23am

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Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is ready to make the jump to the NFL after helping the team win the national championship. Shortly after the title game, Sarratt and teammates D'Angelo Ponds and Jamari Sharpe worked a celebratory shift at a Raising Cane's restaurant in Bloomington, greeting fans and serving food. Sarratt discussed his NFL Draft preparations and the excitement of bringing a championship to the Indiana community.

Why it matters

Sarratt's success at Indiana has made him a promising NFL prospect, and his willingness to connect with the local community shows his character. The national title caps off an impressive college career and sets him up for the next step in his football journey.

The details

Sarratt, a 22-year-old wide receiver, finished the 2025 season with 65 receptions for 830 yards and a team-high 15 receiving touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors. He is expected to be selected in the second or third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with analysts praising his competitiveness, ability in the short passing game, and performance in high-pressure moments. Before leaving for NFL Draft preparations, Sarratt, Ponds, and Sharpe worked a shift at the local Raising Cane's, greeting fans and serving food, to celebrate the championship with the Bloomington community.

  • Sarratt and teammates worked at Raising Cane's shortly after Indiana's national championship victory.
  • Sarratt heads to Florida on Sunday to begin his NFL Draft preparations.

The players

Elijah Sarratt

A 22-year-old wide receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers who led the team to a national championship in 2025 and is now preparing for the NFL Draft.

D'Angelo Ponds

A defensive back for the Indiana Hoosiers who joined Sarratt and Sharpe in working at Raising Cane's to celebrate the national title.

Jamari Sharpe

A defensive back for the Indiana Hoosiers who joined Sarratt and Ponds in working at Raising Cane's to celebrate the national title.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a blessing just throughout this whole season to begin with, allowing me to end it the way I wanted to. But it changes quick. The book's over for college. I'm starting a new book now, but the next couple of days, I'm going to just pack everything up. I head down to Florida to train on Sunday, so it's enjoying these last moments here in this town with this community, my people. So, I'm grateful for the opportunity ahead, and I'm excited, for sure.”

— Elijah Sarratt (on3.com)

“Sarratt is not fast by NFL standards, but he still gets open. Sarratt will add value to a wide receiver room from his competitive nature, ability to thrive in the quick game and the middle of the field, and his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.”

— Thomas Martinez, Sports Illustrated (Sports Illustrated)

“I always knew the excitement that Bloomington people had, and I'm glad we were able to give this win to everyone. The fans deserve it. We wouldn't be able to have the success we've had without them. We're dogs – we love the game, and we love showing out for ourselves. I wish we had more time here.”

— Elijah Sarratt (on3.com)

What’s next

Sarratt will head to Florida on Sunday to begin his NFL Draft preparations ahead of the Combine and Draft.

The takeaway

Elijah Sarratt's journey from Indiana star to NFL prospect showcases his talent, character, and appreciation for the Hoosiers community that supported him throughout his college career. His willingness to celebrate with fans at Raising Cane's demonstrates his commitment to the program and the city that helped him achieve his championship dreams.