IU Football Stars Showcase Skills at Pro Day

All 32 NFL teams attended the event to evaluate top Hoosiers prospects ahead of the draft.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:50pm

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Indiana University football players, including Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, showcased their abilities in front of all 32 NFL teams at the school's annual Pro Day event in Bloomington. The players used the opportunity to impress scouts and make their case for being selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

Pro Day is a crucial event for college football players looking to take the next step to the professional level. It allows them to demonstrate their skills and athleticism in a controlled setting in front of NFL decision-makers, potentially boosting their draft stock and chances of being signed.

The details

In addition to Mendoza, several other standout IU players participated, including tight end Riley Nowakowski, who had previously attended the NFL Combine, and linebacker Aiden Fisher. The players said they relished the chance to compete one last time with their teammates and show what they can bring to the next level.

  • IU Pro Day took place on Wednesday, March 31, 2026 inside Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, who is considered a potential top overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Riley Nowakowski

IU tight end who previously attended the NFL Combine, giving him another opportunity to showcase his skills in front of pro scouts.

Aiden Fisher

IU linebacker who is preparing to take the next step without his college coach, Curt Cignetti, who is no longer with the program.

Pat Coogan

IU offensive lineman who relished the chance to compete one last time with his Hoosiers teammates before embarking on his professional career.

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What they’re saying

“They've done so much for me. I would not be the same player. There's been so many times throughout the season they've saved my butt, and it's just a working relationship, and those are some of my best friends for life. So, it's really special for me to be out here today.”

— Fernando Mendoza, Heisman-winning quarterback

“Getting to receive, catch balls from him was just always awesome, because he's a great quarterback. So, I think that was a big thing and then just continuing to show my athleticism and what I can do.”

— Riley Nowakowski, IU tight end

“Definitely strange, but I think we've all been prepared to take this next step, and something with Coach Cig is it's felt like we've run a professional program here.”

— Aiden Fisher, IU linebacker

“I'll miss it a ton, I mean, it's a special group of guys. Going to go down in the history books, but we've got to start this next chapter.”

— Pat Coogan, IU offensive lineman

What’s next

The NFL Draft is scheduled for later this month, where Mendoza and other IU standouts will look to hear their names called and take the next step in their football careers.

The takeaway

Pro Day represents a crucial opportunity for college players to showcase their skills and impress NFL teams ahead of the draft. The IU players used this event to demonstrate their abilities and make their case for being selected, with Mendoza leading the way as a potential top overall pick.