Omar Cooper Jr. named Indiana's player to watch by David Pollack

When discussing Indiana this upcoming season, the conversation begins with quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Head coach Curt Cignetti seemingly snagged another great one out of the NCAA transfer portal this offseason. Mendoza appears set to explode in Blommington with the potential of hearing his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft next April.

But who else is someone to look out for on Indiana next season? David Pollack went with a guy set to catch passes for Mendoza, Omar Cooper. Pollack believes Cooper could silently shock a lot of people throughout the 2025 campaign, putting up big numbers in an increased role.

“I’m going Omar Cooper, wide receiver,” Pollack said. “Last year, he had seven tuddies and he averaged 21 yards a reception. He was already good. Going to get more playing time. I think gets an upgrade at the QB position now. Another year in the system. I think he’s a guy that can explode onto the scene and you’re like ‘This guy just went for 1,200 and 11 touchdowns. Where did he come from?'”

Cooper finished last year with the second-most yards for Indiana at 594, behind only Elijah Sarrat. His 21.2 yards per reception, as Pollack mentioned, does pop off the page, though. If there is a downside, it’s only one game where he broke the 100-yard mark. And against Western Illinois as well, not being too big of an opponent.

However, five of the seven touchdowns scored came vs. Big Ten opponents. Another one was added when facing Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff. Although under 30 seconds remained in the game, Indiana signed up for 60 and played until the very end.

Pollack does give a slight shoutout to Mendoza, citing some better quarterback play coming. Kurtis Rourke is a legend of the program but when it comes to who will wind up a better quarterback, Mendoza is the favorite.

Put everything together and Pollack is going to buy stock in what Cooper is able to accomplish during the 2025 season. Lead receiver, quality quarterback play, and a little experience already in his back pocket.

Cooper will open his case on Aug. 30, going up against Old Dominion. Indiana will not face a power conference foe until Sept. 20, then rattling off nine in a row. There will be plenty of time for the IU offense to settle in and get comfortable with each other.