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Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds tabbed as 2026 NFL 1st Round pick by ESPN

headshotby: Alec Lasley06/30/25allasley
NCAA Football: Maryland at Indiana
Sep 28, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) celebrates after a defensive play against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Indiana football had a breakthrough season in 2024 and look for a lot of the same success this year — with the goal of returning to the College Football Playoff on the table. A large reason for the optimism is because of the core that returns to Bloomington, including defensive back D’Angelo Ponds.

Ponds is coming off of a sophomore campaign in which he was named a Second-Team All-American by numerous outlets. He finished the season rated the top cornerback in the Big Ten and No. 9 among power four programs, per Pro Football Focus.

Ponds had 55 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions.

On Monday, Ponds was tabbed as a First Round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Matt Miller released the first round of his first 2026 mock draft and placed Ponds at No. 28, going to the Baltimore Ravens.

He was the fourth cornerback taken in Miller’s draft.

“The Ravens added two short-term cornerback options in veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, but they need a long-term solution,” Miller wrote. “Ponds projects as a slot corner because of his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame, but he’s a feisty cover man with ball skills (five career interceptions) and the quickness to match up with inside receivers.

“Having him join a pair of young safeties in 24-year-old All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a fierce group of youthful playmakers.”

Ponds has been among the top cornerbacks since he arrived at James Madison two years ago as a true freshman.

In April, ESPN named Ponds as the 4th-best returning cornerback heading into the 2025 season.

“If there’s a play to be made, Ponds is usually there to make it,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote. “Over the past two seasons, his 91.8 grade by Pro Football Focus leads all returning FBS cornerbacks.”

Ponds was part of a defensive unit for Indiana football that ranked second nationally in 2024 in yards allowed per play (4.28) and sixth in points allowed per game (15.6).

Indiana has had just one first-round selection in the NFL Draft since 1994.

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