Former Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. played alongside quarterback Fernando Mendoza during the 2025 season. They both have declared for this year’s draft, looking to make the transition to the NFL.

Mendoza had high praise for Cooper at the ongoing Scouting Combine. The 2025 Heisman compared his skills to those of “prime Deebo Samuel.” On Friday, the wide receiver responded to his former quarterback’s comments about him.

“I mean, I don’t understand the reasons for comparisons when it comes to football,” Cooper said. “Because everybody is their own player. But being compared to player like Deebo is just a blessing. I mean, he’s a really great player that has established himself in the league. So, that’s just a great feeling.”

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At the Combine, Fernando Mendoza broke down Omar Cooper Jr.’s game and heaped praise on his skills and talent.

“The body control he has is crazy,” Mendoza said. “And I know people compare him to Deebo Samuel. And I know Omar as a receiver, by far more than a running back. But that’s what I see. It’s like a prime Deebo Samuel because, … the upside in that aspect.

“He has great body control, great hands. He can really play any position on the field. And have him as a receiver that can be a gadget guy and also take it deep and also have great route at hands, … just shoutout to him.”

Omar Cooper Jr. joined the Hoosiers back in 2022. He spent his entire collegiate career with them. Last season, they brought in Fernando Mendoza as the starting quarterback. Under him, the wide receiver recorded 937 yards on 69 receptions and 13 touchdowns.

The Hoosiers went on to be crowned as the undefeated national champions. Omar Cooper Jr. finished his four-year collegiate stint tallying 1,798 yards and 22 TDs receiving.

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Omar Cooper Jr. opens up about his love for the game of football

During a press conference at the Combine on Friday, Omar Cooper Jr. talked about the passion he has for football.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he’s had and also discussed the competitive nature of his household.

“Just the opportunity to compete,” Cooper said. “Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed competing because the household I grew up in with my parents both playing collegiate basketball. They always talk competition in our family. That love for it grew the older I got. Also just the fact that how fun it is.”

Experts and analysts project the Hoosiers wide receiver to go on Day 2 of this year’s draft.