Undersized, ball-hawking Indiana corner the Jets drafted in the second round in 2026.
D'Angelo Ponds is a cornerback the New York Jets selected 50th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Indiana. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 182 pounds, the 21-year-old earned All-American recognition with the Hoosiers and joins the Jets alongside former IU teammate Omar Cooper Jr. He enters 2026 as a rookie.
Path to the league
Ponds developed into a star at Indiana, intercepting three passes as a sophomore in 2024 and returning one for a touchdown. As a junior in 2025 he added two interceptions, including an opening-play pick-six in the Peach Bowl, and earned All-American status. The Jets took him at No. 50 in the 2026 draft.
Career highlights
Ponds reunited in New York with former Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr., whom the Jets drafted in the first round of the same 2026 class, per the team. His opening-snap Peach Bowl pick-six was among the signature plays of his college career.
Sources
- Wikipedia: D'Angelo Ponds
- ESPN: D'Angelo Ponds player page
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- Indiana
- Hometown
- Miami, FL, USA
- Age
- 21
- Status
- active
