Former Indiana Players Shine in NFL Week 7
Several Hoosiers made significant impacts during professional football games across the country this past weekend.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football
Former Indiana University football standouts recorded standout performances in the NFL during Week 7 action on October 26, 2026. Highlights included a first professional touchdown from running back Kaelon Black and a massive receiving day from Omar Cooper Jr.
Why it matters
These performances demonstrate the growing pipeline of talent from the Indiana football program reaching the professional level. The success of these players validates the team's development trajectory following their recent victory in the January 2026 Peach Bowl.
Omar Cooper Jr. tallied 115 yards on 5 catches, while Kaelon Black rushed 12 times for 63 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown run. Micah McFadden led the defensive effort with 10 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss across 61 defensive snaps.
The players
Kaelon Black
He is a running back for the San Francisco 49ers who recently recorded his first NFL touchdown.
Omar Cooper Jr.
He is a professional wide receiver who posted a career-best performance in Week 7 with 115 receiving yards.
Micah McFadden
He is a professional linebacker who played 61 defensive snaps during his Week 7 appearance.
Kahlil Benson
He is an offensive lineman who earned a start at left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The details
Kaelon Black secured his first career NFL touchdown, while Omar Cooper Jr. saw extensive action with 38 offensive snaps. Other notable contributions included Myles Price totaling 46 yards on a kick return and Kahlil Benson starting at left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Timeline
January 2026: Indiana University won the Peach Bowl.
October 26, 2026: NFL Week 7 games occurred.
Season Trajectory
These individual professional successes reflect the heightened recruiting and developmental standard established during Indiana University's 2026 Peach Bowl win. This influx of talent into the NFL alters the perception of Indiana as a destination program for aspiring professional athletes.
Fantasy football owners should note the increased snap counts for players like Omar Cooper Jr. and Micah McFadden as potential indicators of rising depth-chart roles. Tracking these career milestones provides key data on how Indiana-developed talent is translating into NFL production.
The takeaway
The sustained success of these former players indicates a shift in the caliber of talent emerging from the Indiana University football program. Fans of the university can look forward to seeing these athletes play prominent roles throughout the remainder of the professional season.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the program, visit Indiana Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
