The 2026 NFL Draft has barely wrapped up, and Indiana football is already making waves. The Hoosiers saw two players selected in the first round—quarterback Fernando Mendoza went first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. landed with the New York Jets at pick 30. It was a statement moment for the program, and if way-too-early mock drafts are any indication, the trend might just continue in 2027.
As is tradition in the draft world, projections for next year are already rolling in, and they're predictably quarterback-heavy at the top. Some mocks have as many as four signal-callers going within the first five picks. While Indiana's Josh Hoover isn't currently projected in the first round, a couple of his top targets are generating serious buzz: wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. Even Hoover's blindside protector, offensive tackle Carter Smith, is getting some early love from analysts.
Speaking of Smith, he's been slotted at No. 25 overall to the San Francisco 49ers in one mock draft. The reasoning? The 49ers just gave Trent Williams a two-year extension, but they're already thinking about the future. Smith, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, is entering his fourth season as Indiana's starting left tackle. He doesn't necessarily need time to develop—he's ready now—and his movement skills would be a perfect fit for San Francisco's zone-blocking scheme.
Then there's Charlie Becker, a 6'4", 204-pound wide receiver who's been projected at No. 26 to the Dallas Cowboys. The logic here is simple: if Dallas locks up George Pickens long-term, they might not need a first-round receiver. But the Cowboys' offense thrives when they have a big-bodied target opposite CeeDee Lamb, and Becker fits that mold perfectly. Over the final seven games of Indiana's national championship run, he was arguably the Hoosiers' best receiver, showcasing elite ball skills, body control, and the athleticism to finish through contact and create explosive plays downfield.
Finally, Nick Marsh, a Michigan State transfer, is projected at No. 32 to the Los Angeles Rams. At 6'3" and 213 pounds, Marsh brings a blend of size and explosiveness that's hard to ignore. With Davante Adams and Puka Nacua both facing free agency next spring, the Rams could be in the market for a young, dynamic receiver. Marsh pairs quality ball skills with impressive speed, making him a potential steal at the end of the first round.
For Indiana fans, these early projections are exciting. The Hoosiers are no longer just a stepping stone—they're becoming a pipeline for NFL talent. And if these mock drafts are any guide, the 2027 draft could be another banner year for Bloomington.