The 18 former Indiana football players on NFL rosters this season

The 2026 NFL season begins Wednesday night with 18 former Indiana players on official rosters, including nine rookies— the most drafted from Indiana in a single season after an undefeated campaign, a first national title and a Heisman Trophy. Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner and top pick, made his preseason debut with the Las Vegas Raiders against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 13, catching a first touchdown on a 6-yard pass from him to wide receiver Jack Bech. His preseason ended with a 55.6% completion rate, 240 passing yards and one touchdown, but Kirk Cousins will start against the Miami Dolphins. The list also includes Omar Cooper Jr. with the New York Jets, Elijah Sarratt with the Baltimore Ravens, and D’Angelo Ponds, plus other Indiana standouts across teams.