A historic nine players from IU football took part in the 2026 NFL Draft Combine held in Indianapolis last week, marking the largest turnout in the program’s history. While only three of these athletes completed drills and physical testing, all were interviewed by league officials and participated in on-field skill assessments.
Player Performances and Measurements at the Combine
The three players who completed measurable drills showcased notable results in Indianapolis, while the remaining six will undergo further evaluations at Indiana’s Pro Day scheduled for April 1.
Standout Results from Combine Participants
Wide receiver Omar Cooper ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds, posting a 1.55-second 10-yard split and a 37-inch vertical jump. His 40-yard dash was tied for the 17th fastest among the 34 wide receivers tested this year. Cooper’s physical profile includes a height of 6 feet 0 and 1/8 inches, a weight of 196 pounds, 30 1/4 inch arms, 9 5/8 inch hands, and a 75 1/4 inch wingspan.
.@TheOmarCooper‘s 40. 👀
📺 Tune into the #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork. pic.twitter.com/RRH8RnbFwf
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) February 28, 2026
Defensive back D’Angelo Ponds participated only in the vertical jump, impressively recording a 43.5-inch leap. This mark tied for the second-highest vertical jump among all combine participants in 2026 and ranks as the fourth-best vertical in combine history for cornerbacks. Ponds measures 5 feet 8 and 5/8 inches tall, weighs 182 pounds, and has a wingspan of 72 1/4 inches.
Have a day, @DangeloPondss ‼️
📺 Tune into the #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork. pic.twitter.com/Aq9ea6UVJy
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) February 27, 2026
Tight end Riley Nowakowski ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds, placing 13th among eighteen tight ends tested. Additional marks include a 1.7-second 10-yard split, a 33.5-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot 11-inch broad jump. Nowakowski is 6 feet 2 and 1/4 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds, with arm length 31 1/2 inches and hand size 8 3/4 inches.
Associates Awaiting Further Evaluation at Pro Day
The six Indiana players who did not complete testing at the combine will participate in further drills and interviews during the Pro Day event on April 1. These athletes include Louis Moore (5’11
“, 191 lbs), Aiden Fisher (6’1”
, 232 lbs), Pat Coogan (6’5
“, 311 lbs), Elijah Sarratt (6’2 1/2”
, 210 lbs), Roman Hemby (6’0
“, 207 lbs), and Fernando Mendoza (6’4 3/4”
, 236 lbs).
Significance of IU Football Representation at the Combine
This unprecedented involvement of IU football players at the NFL Draft Combine highlights the growing prominence of the program in developing potential professional talent. The exposure these athletes receive through interviews, physical assessments, and drills will play a crucial role in shaping their draft prospects. The upcoming Pro Day offers additional opportunities for evaluation, potentially influencing NFL teams’ decisions as the draft approaches.
.@TheOmarCooper's 40. 👀
📺 Tune into the #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork. pic.twitter.com/RRH8RnbFwf
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) February 28, 2026
Have a day, @DangeloPondss ‼️
📺 Tune into the #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork. pic.twitter.com/Aq9ea6UVJy
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) February 27, 2026
