Indiana Hoosiers 2026 NFL Draft tracker live updates, best available and reactions

April 24, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Indiana Hoosiers 2026 NFL Draft tracker live updates, best available and reactions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The past year has been a whirlwind for the Indiana Hoosiers football program. Curt Cignetti has taken his one-time Big Ten doormat team to new heights. Now the national champions will have something else to celebrate by Saturday night. Potentially ten or more players going in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to go No. 1 overall. Who's behind him? The Hoosiers name should be heard frequently throughout the draft process. What's important is the rule of two, and it will play heavily into the draft for the Hoosiers. Two running backs, two receivers, two defensive backs, two offensive linemen, and those are just the more well-known IU players.

Indiana's imprint on this draft will be noteworthy, with players still coming off the board into Day 3. There's a scenario where there is at least one Hoosier who will be taken in every single round that is not outside the realm of possibility.

Indiana Hoosiers 2026 NFL Draft prospects (13)

NamePosHTWT40 RangePick TeamFernando MendozaQB6'52254.85No. 1 pick1 RaidersOmar Cooper JrWR6'02044.42Rd 1-230JetsElijah SurrattWR6'22134.60Rd 2-3D'Angelo PondsCB5'91734.35Rd 2-3Mikail KamaraEDGE6'12624.80Rd 3-5Aiden FisherLB6'12354.70Rd 3-5Louis MooreS5'112004.60Rd 4-6Kaelon Black RB5'102114.45Rd 4-6Roman Hemby RB6'02104.40Rd 4-6Pat Coogan C6'53115.20Rd 4-6Riley NowakowskiTE6'22494.66Rd 5-7Zen MichalskiOT6'63195.10Rd 6-UFAEJ Williams JrWR6'42034.50Rd 7-UFA

2026 NFL Draft: Indiana Hoosiers news

So the Jets come up from 33 in a trade with the 49ers — who move down again — to get another pass catcher in Omar Cooper Jr.

3 first rounders for the Jets tonight. https://t.co/7OJye6ahSR
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2026

Omar Cooper Jr. goes No. 30 overall to the New York Jets

Mendoza will sign a four-year contract, with a team option for a fifth year, for $54.56 million.
That's a lot, but his average salary will be one of, if not the lowest in the NFL for a starting quarterback.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) April 24, 2026

"I'm ecstatic for the opportunity."

Fernando Mendoza is ready to hit the ground running with the @Raiders 🙌

NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/73kTnMdpyj
— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2026

Hit the jackpot! 🎰

With the No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza is headed to Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/mRq87kuAQq
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 24, 2026

Fernando Mendoza takes on a new cause before going No. 1 overall to the Raiders. Story here.

2026 NFL Draft: Indiana reactions and impressions

Stamp of approval from Coach Cignetti 🏴‍☠️@IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/0flae2KkuE
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 24, 2026

Omar Cooper Jr is pro ready, tough as hell over the middle. Didn’t think he was a first round explosive type of WR.
Jets have 3 guys that should be able to help right away
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 24, 2026

Fernando Mendoza is gearing up to hear his name called with friends, family, and the Heisman Trophy 🙌 @IndianaFootball

2026 NFL Draft starts at 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/2sbG8Ez5jr
— NFL (@NFL) April 23, 2026

2026 NFL Draft How to Watch

The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network-- available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.

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