Omar Cooper injury update: FOX broadcast provides latest on Indiana WR

Indiana already survived one injury scare early in the Big Ten Championship, watching quarterback Fernando Mendoza get back on the field after a big hit. Now, the concern lies with wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. He limped off the field in the middle of an Indiana drive, immediately getting medical attention.

Shortly after, the FOX broadcast gave us the latest on Cooper. As the report came through from Jenny Taft, we saw Cooper going back to the locker room. Not what anyone associated with Indiana wanted to hear, especially since plenty of points are going to be needed to win this one.

“Something I’ve been monitoring down here for Indiana,” Taft began. “Omar Cooper Jr., currently questionable. A lower-body injury, Gus. He’s been limping in and out of the medical tent. They have been examining his right leg, his right side, his knee, his ankle. He just left for the locker room.”

Cooper is one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. To this point of the game, he has yet to record a reception. If Cooper can get back in there, you know Mendoza will be looking for his main target. If not, Indiana will have a huge role to fill in the offense.

Alec Lasley of On3 | Rivlals’ The Hoosier also provided an update on Cooper, coming from the press box inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Some stretches took place to see if the wide receiver could continue. This came before a trip to the locker room, meaning they appeared to be unsuccessful.

“Omar Cooper comes out of the injury tent without a helmet and is doing some stretches and mobility tests,” Lasley said via X. “Getting looked at by a swarm of trainers now as he takes a seat.”

More on Omar Cooper Jr., performance throughout 2025 season

Cooper is in his fourth season of college football, spending all of them in Bloomington. We saw a breakout season in 2024, only to continue the role for Indiana this year. Numbers have been put up behind the great quarterbacking of Mendoza.

In 12 games played, Cooper has caught 58 passes for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns. Depending on his health status, reaching the century mark is still possible due to the College Football Playoff. Of course, the main goal is to get back on the field and contribute against Ohio State. If not, IU should have a few weeks to get completely healthy.