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9 Indiana Football Players to Showcase Skills at NFL Combine
Full schedule for Hoosiers' record-breaking NFL Combine contingent
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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A program-record 9 Indiana football players will participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week, including projected high draft picks like quarterback Fernando Mendoza, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds. The Hoosiers will have representatives across all four days of on-field testing and drills at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Why it matters
Indiana's strong showing at the NFL Combine reflects the program's continued rise under head coach Tom Allen. After a historic 2025 season that saw the Hoosiers reach the College Football Playoff, these 9 players have a chance to boost their draft stock and represent the university on the national stage.
The details
The 9 Indiana players headed to the NFL Combine are: QB Fernando Mendoza, RB Roman Hemby, WR Elijah Sarratt, WR Omar Cooper Jr., TE Riley Nowakowski, OL Pat Coogan, LB Aiden Fisher, CB D'Angelo Ponds, and S Louis Moore. They will participate in on-field drills and athletic testing across the 4 days of the Combine, with Mendoza opting not to throw but meeting with media. Several other Hoosiers like RB Kaelon Black and DE Mikail Kamara missed out on Combine invites but will have a chance to showcase their skills at Indiana's pro day.
- The NFL Scouting Combine runs from Thursday, February 26 through Sunday, March 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
- Indiana's 9 participants will be spread across the 4 days of on-field testing and drills.
The players
Fernando Mendoza
Indiana's starting quarterback and projected first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Omar Cooper Jr.
Standout wide receiver for the Hoosiers who is generating buzz as a potential first-round selection.
D'Angelo Ponds
Cornerback expected to be a second or third-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Aiden Fisher
Linebacker who has been the heart of Indiana's defense the past two seasons and is projected as a Day 3 draft pick.
Pat Coogan
The lone Indiana offensive lineman invited to the NFL Combine, currently projected as a Day 3 selection.
What’s next
The 9 Indiana players will look to impress NFL scouts and coaches with their performances at the Combine. Following the Combine, they will have the opportunity to further showcase their skills at Indiana's pro day on April 1.
The takeaway
Indiana's strong representation at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is a testament to the program's continued growth and development under head coach Tom Allen. These 9 Hoosiers have a chance to boost their draft stock and put Indiana football on the national map as they pursue their NFL dreams.
