Indiana football eyes lasting NFL pipeline after strong Pro Day

Hoosiers could match last year's NFL Draft total in the first round alone

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:03am

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Indiana football held a highly-attended Pro Day on Wednesday, with representatives from all 32 NFL teams and over 100 media members showing up to watch 23 draft-eligible former Hoosiers players, including projected first-round pick Fernando Mendoza. Several other Indiana players also impressed, raising hopes that the program can establish a lasting pipeline to the NFL.

Why it matters

Indiana has struggled to produce NFL talent in recent decades, but this year's strong Pro Day performance could signal a shift, with the Hoosiers potentially matching or exceeding their recent high of three players drafted in a single year. Building a consistent pipeline to the NFL would be a major boost for the program's recruiting and visibility.

The details

At Indiana's Pro Day, projected first-round pick Fernando Mendoza wowed onlookers with his on-field workout, throwing to his former teammates. Other standouts included cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, who ran an unofficial 4.31 40-yard dash, and running back Kaelon Black, who posted impressive combine-caliber numbers. In total, 23 draft-eligible Hoosiers participated, up from just two players drafted by the NFL last year.

  • Indiana held its Pro Day on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.

The players

Mikail Kamara

Former Indiana football defensive end who hopes this year's draft class can start a lasting pipeline to the NFL for the program.

Fernando Mendoza

Indiana's projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who impressed with his on-field workout at Pro Day.

Curt Cignetti

Indiana's head football coach, who has helped develop NFL talent for the Hoosiers.

D'Angelo Ponds

Indiana cornerback who ran an unofficial 4.31 40-yard dash at Pro Day, a time that would have tied for fifth-best at the NFL Combine.

Kaelon Black

Indiana running back who posted impressive combine-caliber numbers at Pro Day, including a 4.43 40-yard dash, 37.5-inch vertical jump, 27 bench press reps, and 10'5" broad jump.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully we can turn this into like Bama. Old Bama.”

— Mikail Kamara, Former Indiana football defensive end

“Coach Cig and the rest of the staff is really great at developing players, not just developing players, but also, you know, recruiting the right guys who have the work ethic and who have the drive to come in every single day and try to get better.”

— Mikail Kamara, Former Indiana football defensive end

“I think the main goal today was to serve my teammates, and I think that I was able to do that, be able to put them in a position where they're able to make plays, show what they got, and very excited for them in the future.”

— Fernando Mendoza

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23, where Indiana will look to have multiple players selected, potentially including a first-round pick for the first time since 1994.

The takeaway

Indiana's strong Pro Day performance showcases the program's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent, raising hopes that the Hoosiers can establish a lasting pipeline to the professional ranks. This could be a pivotal moment for the program's recruiting and national profile if they are able to capitalize on this momentum in the upcoming NFL Draft.