Bloomington, Indiana, January 27, 2026
Indiana University wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has declared for the NFL Draft after a standout season, which included leading the Hoosiers to a national championship victory. His decision reflects both personal gratitude for his journey at Indiana and the impact he had during a historic football season. With 69 receptions and 13 touchdowns, Cooper leaves a significant mark on the program, presenting challenges for the Hoosiers’ future as they seek to fill his role.
Bloomington, Indiana – Wide Receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, following a standout season that culminated in a national championship victory. His declaration comes on the heels of a historic football season for the Hoosiers, marking a significant moment not just for Cooper but for the entire Indiana football program.
On January 26, 2026, Cooper took to social media to express his gratitude towards his family, coaches, and teammates, reflecting on the support they provided throughout his collegiate journey. Representing his hometown of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana brought him immense pride, especially as the Hoosiers celebrated their first national title by defeating Miami and completing an impressive 16-0 season.
Season Highlights
Cooper’s impact on the field during the 2025 season was notable. He led the Hoosiers with 69 receptions, accumulating 937 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns, which tied for third in the Football Bowl Subdivision for touchdown receptions. His critical 7-yard touchdown catch in the final moments against Penn State stood out as a defining moment, contributing to Indiana’s first-ever victory at Beaver Stadium.
Career Overview
A proud product of Indianapolis, Cooper attended Lawrence North High School, where he shone not only in football but also in basketball and track. His senior year was marked by 43 receptions for 702 yards and seven touchdowns. After joining Indiana University in 2022 and redshirting his first year, Cooper went on to accumulate 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns over four seasons, along with two rushing touchdowns.
Impact on Indiana Football
Cooper’s departure signifies a pivotal change for the Hoosiers’ receiving corps. As he pursues his dreams in the NFL, the coaching staff faces the challenge of filling the void left by his production. The program’s success this past season sets a foundation for future growth, but it also emphasizes the importance of developing new talent to maintain competitive performance.
Looking Ahead
As Cooper prepares for his transition to the NFL Draft, the contributions he made to Indiana football will resonate within the program for years to come. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness his journey at the professional level, given his impressive college career and the potential he has shown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Omar Cooper Jr.?
Omar Cooper Jr. is a wide receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers football team, known for his exceptional performance during the 2025 season, which included leading the team with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a native of Indianapolis and attended Lawrence North High School.
What is Cooper’s recent announcement?
On January 26, 2026, Omar Cooper Jr. announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates for their support throughout his collegiate journey.
What were Cooper’s achievements during the 2025 season?
During the 2025 season, Cooper led the Hoosiers with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, tying for third in the Football Bowl Subdivision for touchdown receptions. He also made a decisive 7-yard touchdown catch in the final moments against Penn State, contributing to Indiana’s first-ever win at Beaver Stadium.
What is Cooper’s background?
Cooper attended Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. As a senior, he recorded 43 receptions for 702 yards and seven touchdowns. He joined Indiana University in 2022, redshirting his first year, and over four seasons, accumulated 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns.
How does Cooper’s departure affect Indiana football?
Cooper’s departure marks a significant change for the Hoosiers’ receiving corps. With his decision to enter the NFL Draft, Indiana will need to find a replacement for his production in the upcoming season.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cooper’s Announcement | Omar Cooper Jr. declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, expressing gratitude to his supporters. |
| Season Highlights | Cooper led the Hoosiers with 69 receptions, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns in the 2025 season. |
| Career Overview | Cooper, a native of Indianapolis, attended Lawrence North High School and joined Indiana University in 2022, accumulating 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns over four seasons. |
| Impact on Indiana Football | Cooper’s departure requires the Hoosiers to find a replacement for his production in the upcoming season. |
| Looking Ahead | Fans and analysts will closely watch Cooper’s transition to the NFL, following his significant contributions to Indiana football. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indiana Hoosiers Claim Historic Rose Bowl Victory Over Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
