Omar Cooper Jr. catch: Inside the amazing game-winning grab that saved Indiana’s perfect season

Indiana went into Penn State with an undefeated 9-0 record. The Hoosiers were the heavy favorites against a Penn State team that was 0-5 in the Big Ten.

Penn State was fueled by an intense home crowd and made sure that it kept the game close. The Nittany Lions had a four-point lead at the two-minute timeout. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza was staring down a legacy drive. He took a sack on the first play of the drive, but then led Indiana down the field, giving hope to away fans that they would pull off the late win.

Indiana was on the seven-yard line and facing third and goal with 36 seconds left in the game. Mendoza was pressured and threw a dart to the end zone, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. leapt into the air to make the catch. They reviewed whether his feet were in bounds, and it showed that the wideout narrowly kept his toes in to complete the highlight reel catch. 

Here is more on Cooper's incredible play.

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Omar Cooper Jr's game-winning catch

Cooper started on the right side of the field near the hash. He cut left and ran a post route. Mendoza was pressured and it looked like he was trying to give his player a shot at the ball, but also threw it high to avoid an interception. Cooper Jr. soared through the air and caught the ball. He then looked down mid-air and saw where he was, making sure to reach his toes back. Just an incredible play.

WHAT. A. CATCH. pic.twitter.com/FIbWzjq2kX

Omar Cooper stats

2025 season

• 9 games
• 52 receptions
• 701 yards
• 9 touchdowns
• 3 carries
• 74 rushing yards
• 1 rushing touchdown

Game vs. Penn State

• 6 receptions
• 32 yards
• 1 touchdown

Where is Omar Cooper from?

Cooper is a homegrown talent for Indiana. He attended Lawrence North, Indiana, which is in Indianapolis. Cooper was a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and track and field, specializing in the long jump in the latter. He was regarded as a four-star prospect coming out of high school and joined Indiana in 2022 when he played in four games and redshirted. 

Indiana remaining schedule