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Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. Declares for 2026 NFL Draft

The move makes him the third Hoosier from the title team to enter the April draft, sharpening offseason roster decisions for Curt Cignetti.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Curt Cignetti, Elijah Sarratt #13, Tyrique Tucker #95, Pat Coogan #78, Fernando Mendoza #15, Mikail Kamara #6, D'Angelo Ponds #5, Riley Nowakowski #37, Aiden Fisher #4, and Charlie Becker #80 of the Indiana Hoosiers lift the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) runs down the sideline past Miami (FL) Hurricanes defenders Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Overview

  • Omar Cooper Jr. announced his decision on social media Monday to forgo remaining eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Cooper led Indiana in 2025 with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, all career highs across the Hoosiers’ 16-0 championship season.
  • He joins Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and All-American cornerback D’Angelo Ponds as Indiana players who have declared since the national title.
  • Known for a late toe-tap touchdown at Penn State that preserved the perfect season, Cooper also posted five catches for a team-high 71 yards in the CFP title win over Miami.
  • Indiana’s staff now balances departures with returnees such as Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year Carter Smith, as the program turns to draft preparations in April.