2025 Countdown to Kickoff: #3 Omar Cooper Jr.
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 204 pounds
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana (Lawrence North)
Class/Position: RS Junior / Wide Receiver
Omar Cooper had a breakout sophomore season working his way to IU’s second receiving option behind Elijah Sarratt. A local product from Indianapolis, Cooper came in as a highly regarded recruit. After playing in just four games, and being misused, in 2022, Cooper played in nine games with two starts in 2023. He was starting to break out before an injury ended his season early.
A coaching and culture change allowed Cooper to start new. Cooper played in all 13 games last season with four starts. He became a big play target for Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke. Cooper made 28 catches for 594 yards and seven touchdowns. 24 of his 28 catches went for a first down or a touchdown. He also added a touchdown on the ground.
Cooper enters 2025 with elevated expectations as he is a full-time starter. He has embraced that and has focused on getting better.
“Right now, I focused on top of the routes and getting better at getting out of the routes. Then, also, just learning the defensive schemes so when I am out there, I am not just loose in the mind … trying to understand [what the defense is doing] and know what works best against that defense.” Cooper said this spring.
Cooper will have a new quarterback delivering him the ball, but he has built that connection with Fernando Mendoza in the spring.
“We started really connecting — all of the receivers. The difference [between Fernando and Kurtis Rourke], I wouldn’t say much. They are both really good quarterbacks.” Cooper said.
IU has not had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2019. Cooper could end that drought.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day, so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!