Six Indiana Football Players Make PFF’s 2026 NFL Draft Top 200 Rankings
In a surprising yet exhilarating development for Indiana football, six Hoosiers have cracked Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) initial Top 200 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. For a program long overshadowed by Big Ten titans like Michigan and Ohio State, this surge of elite talent signals a tectonic shift in Bloomington — a transformation from perennial underdog to legitimate NFL pipeline.
Leading the pack is junior left tackle Zion McCall, ranked No. 23 overall. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound anchor of Indiana’s offensive line has drawn comparisons to All-Pro Andrew Thomas, thanks to his textbook footwork, brutal punch, and uncanny awareness against complex defensive fronts. PFF analysts praised McCall’s “violent hands and effortless reach,” noting that he allowed only one sack in 872 pass-blocking snaps last season.
Right behind him at No. 47 is sophomore quarterback Treyson Wallace, the highest-ranked Hoosier QB prospect in decades. Wallace lit up the Big Ten in 2024 with 3,812 yards passing, 32 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, all while flashing dual-threat ability. PFF labeled him “an instinctive passer with a live arm and fearless pocket presence,” suggesting he could climb even higher with another strong campaign.
Coming in at No. 63 is edge rusher Damon “Blitz” Baxter, whose nickname is well-earned. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior led the Big Ten in pressures (58) and forced fumbles (4) last season. Baxter’s get-off time and relentless motor have drawn interest from scouts already penciling him in as a future combine standout.
The list also features Eli Booker, a ball-hawking free safety ranked No. 89. Booker, a redshirt sophomore, made a name for himself with five interceptions and 12 pass breakups in 2024. At 6-foot-1 with blazing 4.38 speed, he’s widely regarded as one of the most versatile defensive backs in the country. PFF noted his “instincts and range that rival NFL starters.”
Wide receiver Micah Granger sits at No. 132, bringing explosive playmaking to the Hoosier offense. Averaging 19.2 yards per catch and scoring 10 touchdowns in 2024, Granger’s speed and ability to separate on deep routes have earned him comparisons to former NFL star DeSean Jackson. Scouts are especially high on his body control and contested catch ability.
Rounding out the group at No. 198 is redshirt junior linebacker Jalen Moore, a tenacious sideline-to-sideline defender with a nose for the football. Moore tallied 98 tackles, 11 TFLs, and three forced fumbles, showcasing leadership and athleticism that NFL teams covet in today’s hybrid linebackers.
Indiana’s historic presence in the 2026 Top 200 is more than a flash — it’s a statement. Coach Lenny Atwater’s recruiting and development blueprint is finally bearing fruit. With national eyes now turned toward Bloomington, the Hoosiers are no longer just Saturday spoilers — they’re Sunday prospects. And if this PFF ranking is any indication, Indiana may soon become a draft-day destination.
