After what has felt like an eternity, football season is almost here. Coming off their National Championship win, Hoosier fans are excited to see what Curt Cignetti can put together this college football season. But college football isn’t the only thing Indiana fans have to look forward to. There are now plenty of former Hoosiers on NFL rosters, and they are already making a name for themselves.
In this series, Hoosier Huddle will take a weekly look at how former Indiana players are performing across the NFL. Week 1 of the preseason gave Hoosier fans plenty to watch, with Elijah Sarratt, Aiden Fisher, Fernando Mendoza, Myles Price and plenty of others making their presence known.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Arizona Cardinals [14-27]
Raiders
[#15] QB Fernando Mendoza (2025) [2nd String]
The first Hoosier we have to look at is obviously the 2025 Heisman winner and first overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has put a lot of effort into his development both on and off the field this offseason. While he has his own house, he would rather stay in the team hotel with his fellow rookies so he can remain close to the facility and use his downtime to practice under-center snaps, go through light walkthroughs and study the playbook. Right now, football is his priority, and he is giving it his all to best serve his team and teammates.
One of the biggest areas of development for Mendoza is transitioning to under-center snaps. Throughout his college career at Cal and Indiana, he took a combined FIVE snaps under center, with nearly all of his work coming out of the shotgun. He has made it a major priority and seems to be adapting fairly well to the mechanics of Klint Kubiak’s West Coast-style offense.
In his preseason debut against the Cardinals, Mendoza looked poised across the four drives he played and did a good job working through his progressions. His decision-making looked as sharp as it did at Indiana, finishing 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a touchdown while adding two carries for 6 yards. He made some really accurate throws, threaded the needle on a few occasions and showed the same sharp instincts Hoosier fans became accustomed to.
Mendoza is currently expected to sit behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. While plenty of people want to see the 6-foot-5 quarterback get some snaps this season, there is still a lot for him to work on before being thrown into the fire. He is expected to be the future of the Raiders, so for now, Mendoza will continue learning as much as he can and make sure he is ready when his time comes.
[#80] TE Ian Thomas (2016-17) [Competing for 3rd String]
Some newer Hoosier fans might not know Ian Thomas, but he was a standout tight end for Indiana during his senior season in 2017, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. The dude is a beast with exceptional blocking skills.
Now in his second year with the Raiders, Thomas is trying to show there is more to his game than blocking and prove he can also be a reliable target in the passing game. He has made several big catches throughout training camp and continued that against Arizona with a 6-yard reception where he made a good effort to escape a tackle.
Thomas is currently competing for the third-string tight end spot, and if he keeps playing at this pace, he could see more opportunities on offense and special teams this season.
[#88] WR E.J. Williams Jr. (2023-25) [4th String]
E.J. Williams has shown his dedication and hard-working mindset throughout the offseason. He is playing anywhere the Raiders ask him to and has shown a lot of commitment as a downfield blocker and by selling his routes even when he isn’t involved in the play.
That effort translated to the preseason. Williams found himself wide open across the middle when Aidan O’Connell connected with him, and the 6-foot-4 receiver picked up another 20 yards after the catch for a 41-yard reception. He was targeted again shortly afterward, but the pass appeared to be tipped and ended up too far behind him.
If Williams continues performing like this, he should have a real chance to make the active roster as a depth piece at wide receiver.
[#37] RB Roman Hemby (2025) [Competing for 4th String]
Roman Hemby has attracted plenty of eyes during training camp with his physicality and explosive burst, flashing some big-play potential early on. The problem is that the Raiders’ running back room is crowded.
Hemby is competing for a spot behind former Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty, while fourth-round pick Mike Washington Jr. appears to have secured the backup role. That leaves Hemby battling Dylan Laube and veteran Dare Ogunbowale for the remaining spots. Laube currently has an advantage because of his proven special teams value, while Ogunbowale brings veteran reliability.
Against Arizona, Hemby had just three carries for 7 yards. He looked explosive on his limited touches, but the blocks didn’t last long before defenders got to him. Hemby looks like the more physical runner of the group, but his roster chances will ultimately come down to what else he can bring to the table.
San Francisco 49ers vs Tennessee Titans [13-19]
49ers
[#14] QB Kurtis Rourke (2024) [3rd String]
The quarterback who helped lead Indiana to its first College Football Playoff appearance has finally made his NFL debut.
After undergoing ACL surgery in January 2025, Rourke was selected by the 49ers in the seventh round but missed last preseason while recovering. He finally got his opportunity Thursday and looked really poised in the pocket. Rourke has been efficient with his limited team-drill reps throughout camp, and Kyle Shanahan has taken notice. Shanahan has praised how quickly he grasped the playbook and even gave him a handful of snaps with the first-team offense. His command of the huddle has stood out, and it carried over against Tennessee.
Playing in his first football game in 601 days, Rourke connected on 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards. His legs looked good too, rushing three times for 14 yards, including a fourth-and-5 where he was swarmed by defenders but managed to escape and pick up the first down.
Rourke put together several good drives and made some big throws to rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. His third and final drive ended with a Patrick Taylor Jr. rushing touchdown, but Rourke wasn’t able to finish the first half as expected. After taking a hit to the ribs, he experienced a brief scare with shortness of breath and was sent to the hospital for evaluation.
It was later revealed to be a minor injury that isn’t expected to sideline him for long. His status for the 49ers’ Week 2 preseason matchup against the Chargers remains up in the air, but if Rourke can stay healthy and play the way he did Thursday, the QB3 spot looks to be his.
[#99] DT C.J. West (2024) [2nd String/Rotational Piece]
With the 49ers dealing with several injuries, C.J. West has benefited from an increased number of first-team snaps. The second-year defensive tackle has flashed his ability to fill gaps and disrupt plays during team drills, although he has had some struggles in interior line battles and one-on-one pass-rush periods.
West suited up Thursday against Tennessee but didn’t see any action while recovering from a minor thumb injury, with Shanahan also choosing to hold out most of the team’s projected starters.
West is expected to take on a larger role this season as a rotational piece along the 49ers defensive line.
[#26] RB Kaelon Black (2024-25) [2nd String]
Kaelon Black has really impressed the 49ers staff this offseason. Kyle Shanahan has praised the value he brings with his speed, physicality and ability as a pass catcher.
Black has also shown a strong work ethic and a desire to learn as much as he can from 2025 Comeback Player of the Year and three-time first-team All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. He has been especially interested in McCaffrey’s efficiency and how little wasted movement he has as a route runner.
Black didn’t suit up against the Titans as he continues recovering from an adductor strain suffered during training camp. The injury is expected to be short-term, and he is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
If Black can get healthy, the rookie has a good opportunity to earn the RB2 spot behind McCaffrey.
Edge Mikail Kamara (2024-25)
The news surrounding tenacious edge rusher Mikail Kamara isn’t what Hoosier fans were hoping for.
Kamara suffered a torn ACL in his right knee after going down with a non-contact injury on Aug. 1 and being carted off the field. San Francisco originally planned for him to compete for a rotational pass-rushing role while contributing on special teams.
He was waived with an injury designation Aug. 2 before reverting to the 49ers’ injured reserve list the following day. His focus now turns toward rehabilitation.
The 49ers showed patience with Rourke while he recovered from ACL surgery last year, although Kamara’s situation is different as an undrafted free agent rather than a draft pick.
Titans
[#79] C Pat Coogan (2025) [3rd String]
Pat Coogan has exceeded early expectations by occasionally earning reps with the first-team offense during camp. His pre-snap communication has been praised for a young center, and he has shown good strength anchoring the line during one-on-one pass-protection drills.
His biggest issue so far has been consistency, including some off-target snaps during practice, but that wasn’t a problem against San Francisco. Coogan’s snaps looked clean throughout the game.
The 2026 Rose Bowl MVP played 29 offensive snaps without allowing a sack, although he was beaten for two pressures that resulted in a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss. Coogan will continue fighting to establish himself within Tennessee’s offensive line rotation.
New York Jets vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers [16-24]
Jets
[#83] WR Omar Cooper Jr. (2022-25) [2nd String]
Omar Cooper Jr. has flashed plenty of big-play potential, athleticism and speed throughout camp, while also experiencing some of the growing pains that come with transitioning to the NFL.
A major focus for Cooper has been continuing to expand and refine his route tree while improving as a run blocker to prove he can be an every-down receiver. He got plenty of opportunities to work on that blocking against Tampa Bay and looked solid in the role.
Cooper played five drives for the Jets, but inconsistent quarterback play from Bailey Zappe limited his opportunities. He still finished with two receptions on three targets for 31 yards, highlighted by a 26-yard catch.
The Jets hope Cooper can eventually emerge as starting-caliber talent, but for now, he projects as an important backup at receiver.
[#23] CB D’Angelo Ponds (2024-25) [2nd String]
There isn’t much of an update on former Indiana standout cornerback D’Angelo Ponds at the moment.
During the first practice of training camp, Ponds suffered a calf injury that has kept him sidelined. The injury isn’t considered serious, and he is expected to return to practice soon with the hope of being fully ready for Week 1.
The Jets’ plan appears to eventually feature Ponds in the nickel position.
[#41] LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (2016-21) [2nd String]
Now entering his fourth year with the Jets, Marcelino McCrary-Ball has put together a really strong training camp.
His increased speed in coverage has stood out, and his performance against the Buccaneers made him look like one of the best linebackers on the field. McCrary-Ball finished with four tackles, all solo, and a tackle for loss.
If he keeps playing at this level, head coach Aaron Glenn could rely on him as an important rotational piece on defense.
Baltimore Ravens vs Philadelphia Eagles [24-7]
Ravens
[#13] WR Elijah Sarratt (2024-25) [Competing for 3rd String]
Elijah Sarratt was considered one of the more NFL-ready receivers in this year’s draft class. While Sarratt doesn’t possess elite speed, if you’ve watched him play at Indiana, you know he doesn’t need to be a burner when he has hands and polished route running like he does.
While he might not be receiving as many headlines as fellow rookie wideout Ja’Kobi Lane, Sarratt has continued showing why he was such a reliable pass catcher for Indiana. He hauled in six receptions for 66 yards against Philadelphia, leading Baltimore in both categories.
The NCAA’s 2025 receiving touchdowns leader was making catches with defenders draped over him and made it look like he had been with the Ravens for several years.
Sarratt did suffer a fumble after making an impressive effort to make defenders miss and fight for extra yards. A defender he didn’t see coming punched the ball out from behind. The turnover was a surprise considering how reliable Sarratt’s hands have been throughout his career.
What might have been even more surprising was Baltimore giving him reps at punt returner. Sarratt had two returns for 8 yards, although his first return was called back.
Just as he did at Indiana, Sarratt’s physicality and ability to haul in contested catches are drawing plenty of attention.
Houston Texans vs Los Angeles Chargers [7-27]
Texans
[#59] LB Aiden Fisher (2024-25) [4th String]
Aiden Fisher is making a strong push for a roster spot and has continued showing off the talent Hoosier fans saw over the past two seasons.
Texans coaches have praised his physicality and downhill tackling. Fisher has shown an ability to quickly read blocking schemes and meet ball carriers in the backfield.
In Thursday’s game against the Chargers, the 2025 Butkus Award finalist was all over the field. Fisher flew to the ball and finished with seven total tackles, five solo, and a tackle for loss. He showed off his tackling form while also handling his responsibilities in coverage.
Fisher is making a strong case to earn a backup linebacker role while contributing on special teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers [28-9]
Steelers
[#37] FB Riley Nowakowski (2025)
Riley Nowakowski has put together a strong training camp, earning praise from head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio for his work ethic and gritty play style. His versatility and willingness to line up wherever Pittsburgh needs him has helped earn the trust of the coaching staff.
Against Green Bay, Nowakowski did a good job executing his role and handling his blocking assignments. He was targeted twice, dropping what would have been a touchdown on his first opportunity before making up for it with an amazing one-handed catch for a 4-yard touchdown later in the game.
He seems like the type of player you can plug in wherever you need him, and that versatility could help him become a valuable piece for Pittsburgh.
[#40] S Devan Boykin (2025) [3rd String]
Devan Boykin has been turning some heads during Steelers training camp with his ability to play both safety and nickel.
Against Green Bay, Boykin recorded four total tackles, three solo, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. He continues trending upward and has the potential to become a good depth piece for Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants [13-10]
Vikings
[#4] WR/PR/KR Myles Price (2024) [2nd String WR, 1st String KR/PR]
Myles Price has been excellent throughout training camp. Now entering his second NFL season, Price returns to Minnesota after breaking several single-season franchise records as a rookie, including kickoff return yards (1,479), combined return yards (1,777) and games with 120-plus kick return yards (six).
In addition to what he has already proven as a returner, Price has shown improvement as a route runner and with his quickness out of the slot. While he didn’t take any reps as a returner against the Giants, Price was heavily featured on offense. He led Minnesota in both receptions and receiving yards, catching all four of his targets for 51 yards, including a spectacular one-handed touchdown.
His production throughout camp has earned praise from teammates like Justin Jefferson, who knows the second-year receiver as “Jug.” Price appears to be earning a larger workload and could see significantly more time on offense this season.
Giants
[#41] MLB Micah McFadden (2018-21) [2nd String/Rotational Piece]
Micah McFadden is putting together a strong training camp after returning from a foot injury that cost him nearly the entire 2025 season.
McFadden is healthy again and ready to take on a major role. The additions of Tremaine Edmunds and rookie Arvell Reese have pushed him back on the depth chart, but head coach John Harbaugh has expressed confidence in the linebacker room and expects McFadden to remain an important rotational piece.
He recorded two tackles, one solo, Saturday against Minnesota.
[#43] S Raheem Layne (2017-21) [3rd String]
Raheem Layne has put together a solid camp while continuing to show his value as both a depth piece and special teams contributor.
Layne has consistently flashed throughout camp and recorded two tackles, one solo, against Minnesota. His value on special teams should give him a strong chance to remain on the roster.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Detroit Lions [16-14]
Bengals
[#12] WR/PR/KR Ke’Shawn Williams (2024) [3rd string WR, 2nd String PR, 3rd String KR]
Ke’Shawn Williams has had a quieter camp as a pass catcher, but his value in other areas was on display against Detroit.
Some inconsistent quarterback play limited Williams’ opportunities through the air. He was targeted once but couldn’t bring in the pass. Cincinnati found another way to get the ball in his hands on an end-around, where Williams picked up 8 yards.
His biggest impact came in the return game. Williams recorded a 7-yard punt return and returned two kickoffs for 73 yards, highlighted by a 48-yard return.
His stock is rising, but he will need to show a little more if he wants to earn the starting returner job.
Lions
[#43] TE Zach Horton (2024) [Competing for roster spot]
Zach Horton has had a tougher road than some of the other former Hoosiers this camp.
Detroit waived Horton on July 31 after signing veteran tight end Anthony Firkser, only to bring him back days later on Aug. 4 after Firkser suffered a season-ending injury.
Horton now finds himself on the bubble in an already crowded tight end room, fighting for a depth spot on the active roster.
Against Cincinnati, Horton played 22 offensive snaps and another 13 on special teams, bringing in two receptions for 5 yards. If he can continue showing his value to the coaching staff, he has a chance to fight his way onto the final 53-man roster.
Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders [7-20]
Dolphins
[#41] S Louis Moore (2022-23, 2025) [3rd String]
Louis Moore has stood out early in camp as a young playmaker. Throughout training camp, Moore has shown his versatility all over the defense with strong coverage and an ability to create turnovers. Moore recorded six interceptions during his final season at Indiana, leading the Big Ten and tying for second across the FBS, and he has picked up right where he left off in Miami.
Against Washington, Moore recorded four total tackles, three solo. His football IQ and coverage skills give him the versatility to help the Dolphins in multiple ways.
There are still questions about whether his physical capabilities could limit him at the NFL level, but Moore continues giving everything he has as he fights for a spot on the final roster in what appears to be a thin Dolphins safety room.
Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots [13-13]
Colts
[#12] WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (2015-19) [2nd String]
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s stock has been rising rapidly throughout Colts training camp. He has consistently been one of Indianapolis’ most reliable wideouts, taking advantage of extended opportunities created by injuries and absences ahead of him on the depth chart. Westbrook-Ikhine is trending upward as he battles for the open WR3 role in the starting offense. He has also earned praise for his willingness to do the dirty work as a blocker.
Against New England, Westbrook-Ikhine was targeted once and hauled it in for a 19-yard reception. The job isn’t guaranteed, but if the 6-foot-2 receiver continues producing and showing his willingness to get physical, he has a good chance to beat out Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell for the WR3 spot.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Rams [12-20]
Chiefs
[#70] RT Kahlil Benson (2020-23, 2025) [2nd String]
Kahlil Benson has made huge strides during Chiefs training camp. After going undrafted and not even signing as a priority free agent, Benson earned a contract through his performance at rookie minicamp. Now, he has a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting right tackle job.
The 6-foot-6 lineman has received a large share of the first-team reps throughout camp and has already exceeded expectations. Benson will now look to keep building on his impressive offseason as he fights for a starting role.
Players Waived
WR Jonathan Brady (2025)
Waived by Las Vegas on July 27.
LB Cam Jones (2018-22)
Waived by New York Giants on July 25.
With the preseason underway, there will be plenty for Hoosier fans to follow as former Indiana players fight for roster spots, starting jobs and larger roles across the league. Hoosier Huddle will continue tracking their progress throughout the season.
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