The Indiana Hoosiers saw a program record eight players drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft this past week. As soon as ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ was announced, and minds turned to the 2027 draft. The Hoosiers are still loaded with talent and who may be selected next year from IU has already crossed people’s minds.
5. Rolijah Hardy, Linebacker
Hardy’s ascent from a redshirt freshman recruit out of Navy Prep to a starter on the national title-winning team has been fast and furious. He flashed what he could do in 2024 and took over the starting linebacker spot that Jailin Walker vacated. He is again expected to take another step forward.
Hardy has all the tools of an NFL linebacker. He has the speed to cover receivers in space and the strength to bring down runners in space and defeat blocks. However, he is only 5’11”, which may ding his draft stock.
4. Amare Ferrell, Safety
Ferrell could have entered the NFL Draft this year and chosen to return, following a trend of non-seniors to come back to college. Ferrell has the ideal size for a safety at 6’2″ and 205 pounds. He also has a nose for the ball. In his first three seasons, Ferrell has eight interceptions. He is also a sound tackler and can make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He has 107 career tackles with seven coming for loss, including 1.5 sacks.
3. Carter Smith, Offensive Tackle
Smith was another who decided to return to the Hoosiers, but his decision was largely based on having to have surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Smith was the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year and an All-American. If he performs well again, his draft stock should shoot up.
2. Nick Marsh, Wide Receiver
Marsh technically has two years of college eligibility left, and we’ll see if the trend of people coming back continues. However, he may be a first-round pick and that is tough to pass on. Marsh has all the tools to be the next great Indiana receiver. He’s tough, fast and can make the contested catches needed to succeed at the next level. At 6’3″ and 213 pounds, he has the prototypical size for an NFL wideout as well.
1. Charlie Becker, Wide Receiver
Becker had a breakout 2025 season as a sophomore and starred on the biggest stages in IU’s title run. At 6’4″ with track speed, Becker should be one of the best receivers in a loaded Big Ten. He has great hands and catches everything thrown his way. Becker can play on special teams as well and it is where he cut his teeth and earned the coaches’ trust as a true freshman. Early mock drafts have him as a mid-first-round pick. If he puts together the year he is capable of, he’ll be hearing his name early in the draft.