The Indiana Hoosiers football program will have nine former players invited to the 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Combine held in Indianapolis from February 23rd to March 2nd. The list includes expected number one pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza and many familiar faces.
IU’s Offensive NFL Combine Invitees
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback
PFF Big Board Rank: 1
Everyone has Mendoza as the number one pick of the NFL Draft in April. It remains to be seen what drills he does at the Combine, but he will throw at IU’s Pro Day on April 1st.
Mendoza had a storybook season in 2025 and while he may have been a surprise to many, he was given a greater than 10-percent chance to be the number one pick by ESPN back in August. On his way to leading Indiana to a national championship, Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and a handful of other national awards. He completed 72-percent of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Mendoza also scored seven rushing touchdowns.
Roman Hemby, Running Back
PFF Big Board Rank: 210
Hemby ran for over 1,000 yards for the Hoosiers in 2025. He also served as the team’s primary kick returner and can be used as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He has home run speed and his 40-yard dash time may be a big indicator where his draft stock ultimately lands.
Elijah Sarratt, Wide Receiver
PFF Big Board Rank: 67
Sarratt ended his career at IU making 118 catches for 1,787 yards and 23 touchdowns. He made 12 contested catches and only had three dropped passes according to PFF.com. Sarratt had an 86.1 grade for 2025 from PFF.
Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver
PFF Big Board Rank: 41
Coooper will forego his final season at IU as his draft stock shot up in 2025. Cooper showed the ability to make big time catches and break tackles as well as the speed to run by people. His position versatility also make him an interesting pick. If he tests well, Cooper could see his stock rise even higher.
Riley Nowakowski, TE
PFF Big Board Rank: 252
Nowakowski was not only a fan favorite, but the key to Indiana’s success on offense. His ability to block in the run game and make some big plays in the passing game gave IU a ton of options to work with. He can line up anywhere on the field as IU split him out wide, in tight and as an H-Back.
Pat Coogan, OL
PFF Big Board Rank: 168
Coogan was one of the missing pieces that IU needed to reach the next level in 2025. He did not allow a sack this past season and has played both center and guard. The NFL loves lineman who can play multiple positions.
IU’s Defensive NFL Combine Invitees
Aiden Fisher, Linebacker
PFF Big Board Rank: 151
Fisher was the heart of the IU defense and their green dot player. He made 103 total tackles and only had 16 missed tackles in 2025. He has a knack for making the big play too. His PFF grades do not jump off the page, but he has put plenty of good things on film. Where he lands will largely be determined by his performance at the combine, both on the field and in meetings.
D’Angelo Ponds, Cornerback
PFF Big Board Rank: 55
Ponds’ biggest knock is his lack of height, which he makes up for with elite body control and athleticism. At 5’9″ and 173 pounds, Ponds does an excellent job of playing physically. He backs down from no challenge and has great coverage skills. He should have an excellent 40 time and test well. Meetings with NFL brass should show them that he is built differently as well. Ponds could be the steal of the draft.
Louis Moore, Safety
PFF Big Board Rank: Unranked
Once Moore’s eligibility lawsuit was settled his production went through the roof. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and a nose for the ball. He has great ball skills as well and graded out better in coverage than against the run.