Which Hoosiers Have the Best Prospect in the NFL?

For the second year in a row, IU did not have a  player drafted at the NFL Draft, which raised some eyebrows. Despite a lackluster season, the IU program was full of talent. Players like Andre Carter and Aaron Casey, in particular, stepped up to lead the team. 

Both are undrafted free agents—though it looks like Casey will turn his time with the Cincinnati Bengals into a contract if he manages to impress the team this summer. The same is true for Carter, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after entering free agency. 

It would be a huge coup for Hoosiers fans who like to follow their favorite players as they go pro. Though Casey and Carter weren’t part of a winning Hoosiers team, they guided the team through a rough-and-tumble season. 

Not only do fans want to see their top players succeed in the NFL, but also their new team. Some might even wager on the outcome of former college players—especially if they make an appearance in prop bets. As sports betting expands around the US slowly but surely, fans are using offers like no deposit bonuses to explore new markets and back their favorite players.

You can see terms and conditions here if you’re interested in exploring betting deals. But now that it's the off-season, the most popular bets on the NFL are futures wagers instead of player props. However, UI fans can still back a team that has a former Hoosier on the roster. 

Currently, a handful of former UI stars are playing in the NFL. Here are the most promising prospects in the league.

Micah McFadden, New York Giants

Since he was drafted in the third round back in 2022, Micah McFadden has slowly seen more playing time. He recorded his first sack in Week 8 of his first year with the Giants. In his debut season, he managed to start seven games, slowly building up his tackles. Last year in the 2023-24 season, McFadden started 14 games.

Looking ahead, McFadden might become the most impactful Hoosier in the NFL for the coming season, especially if he manages to continue adding to his QB tackle stats.

Cam Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Though he didn’t play in the postseason, Cam Jones is the only Hoosier in the NFL right now with a Super Bowl ring to his name. Though he went undrafted last year, he was signed by the Chiefs later on as a free agent—and went on to play in all 17 games.

Unfortunately, injury prevented Jones from joining the Chiefs’ postseason this last year—but all signs are positive for Jones and the Chiefs.

Marcelino McCrary-Ball, New York Jets

Could this be the year that Marcelino McCrary-Ball has his breakthrough with the New York Jets? Since he was drafted in 2022, McCrary-Ball has spent time on the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. 

But now that he’s been traded to New York, could he battle his way off the practice squad? With Aaron Rodgers at the helm and a full rebuild underway, there’s potential for McCrary-Ball. Unfortunately, it’s too soon to forecast what might happen with the Jets—both in terms of McCrary-Ball’s career and in terms of the overall restructure.

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Depending on who you ask, Michael Penix Jr. may or may not be considered a Hoosier. The quarterback spent three of four years of his college career with the Hoosiers. During his tenure, he took home second-team All-Big Ten with UI—but most of his accolades came during his stint with Washington.

Though Penix Jr. looks to have a fruitful career ahead of him—especially considering he has the backing of the Atlanta Falcons—Hoosiers fans know too well that there’s always another ACL injury looming for the young player. His future in the NFL depends squarely on his ability to stay healthy.