Indiana football 2026 NFL draft projections. What experts are saying

Yahoo Sports3h ago10 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Indiana football is set to make history at the 2026 NFL Draft, with former quarterback Fernando Mendoza projected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. Up to 10 players from last year's team are expected to be drafted, marking a significant increase from past years.

Key points

Indiana football expects a record number of players drafted in 2026
Fernando Mendoza projected as No. 1 overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders
Up to 10 players from last year's team may be selected
Last first-round pick was Thomas Lewis in 1994
Indiana hasn't had more than three players drafted in a single year recently

Mentioned in this story

Fernando MendozaLas Vegas RaidersNew York Giants

Indiana Hoosiers

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football will make history in this week’s 2026 NFL Draft.

The Hoosiers are expected to send a record number of players to the NFL later this week starting with former IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. He won’t be the only former Indiana player to hear their name called with prominent mock drafts predicting as many as 10 IU players from last year’s team getting selected across the three-day event.

Indiana hasn’t had a player drafted in the first round since the New York Giants drafted receiver Thomas Lewis in 1994. The Hoosiers haven’t had a player drafted No. 1 overall in the modern era. Over the last two decades, IU hasn’t had more than three players drafted in a single year.

Here's a roundup of the latest projections:

More: Why Indiana football will 'look a lot different in the fall'

Indiana's Rolijah Hardy (5) during Indiana football spring practice on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Indiana's Josh Hoover (10) during Indiana football spring practice on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Q&A

Who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick.

How many Indiana football players are expected to be drafted in 2026?

As many as 10 players from Indiana's last team are expected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

When was the last time Indiana had a player drafted in the first round?

Indiana last had a player drafted in the first round in 1994 when the New York Giants selected receiver Thomas Lewis.

What is the significance of the 2026 NFL Draft for Indiana football?

The 2026 NFL Draft is significant for Indiana football as it could see a record number of players drafted, including the possibility of their first No. 1 overall pick.