Indiana football made history at the 2026 NFL Draft, shattering a program record with eight Hoosiers selected—and doing so just one year after the program's previous best in 2025. For fans of the cream and crimson, it was a weekend to remember, with at least one Indiana player hearing his name called in every single round.

The headliners, of course, are quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., selected No. 30 overall by the New York Jets. But the Hoosier love didn't stop there. Cornerback D'Angelo Ponds joined Cooper in the Big Apple, running back Kaelon Black headed west to the San Francisco 49ers, and the ever-resilient Riley Nowakowski found a home with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a testament to the depth and talent that Indiana has cultivated, and for fans looking to rep their favorite players, the draft destinations offer plenty of storylines.

So, which landing spots are the most exciting? Our analysts weighed in with their top picks.

LCN's Pick: Kaelon Black to the San Francisco 49ers
"I've really come around on Kaelon Black heading to the 49ers," LCN says. "San Francisco is an organization that consistently gets the most out of its running backs, putting them in positions to play to their strengths. For Black, that means finding a hole and running hard—occasionally through defenders if they're in the way. The fact that he was taken that high tells you how much the 49ers valued him in this draft. Another favorite? Donaven Sarratt going to the Ravens. He'll have an MVP-caliber quarterback throwing him the ball, and he'll get to showcase his skills as a run blocker, which is a perfect fit for Baltimore's offense."

Colin's Pick: D'Angelo Ponds to the New York Jets
"I know what you're thinking—the Jets have been a tough organization, and their defense was particularly rough last season," Colin admits. "But here's why I love it: they have a new head coach who's a former defensive coordinator, and he was an undersized defensive back himself, with a playing style similar to Ponds'. Plus, there's plenty of playing time available. A lot of people have questioned whether Ponds' size translates to the NFL, but I'm glad he's going somewhere he can prove himself immediately—to a coach who understands exactly what a player like him brings. He's going to be thrown into the deep end, but that's exactly what happened when he transferred from James Madison to Indiana, and that worked out just fine."

Of course, not every landing spot is perfect. When asked about situations that raise concerns, LCN noted: "Any Jets selection gives me pause given that organization's track record. But for Ponds, the fit feels right." The bottom line? This Hoosier draft class is loaded with talent, and wherever they landed, they're ready to make an impact.