Elijah Sarratt 2026 NFL Draft Profile

Indiana shocked the college football world in 2024, going 11-2 and making the College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers have picked up right where they left off, storming out to a 7-0 start this season. Indiana looks to win its first outright Big Ten title since 1945. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has established himself as a Heisman frontrunner and a candidate to be the first overall pick in 2026. Mendoza’s favorite target is Elijah Sarratt, who’s been one of the most productive wide receivers in college football. Sarratt’s football journey reflects the underdog story of the Hoosiers. He wasn’t a highly-touted player coming out of high school, but it’s safe to say Sarratt exceeded expectations. His production is undeniable, but how does Sarratt’s game translate to the next level?

2026 NFL Draft: Elijah Sarratt Player Profile

Background

Sarratt was an unranked high school prospect coming out of St. Frances Academy (Maryland). He committed to play for St. Francis at the FCS level. Sarratt wasted no time making a name for himself, having 42 catches for 700 yards and 13 touchdowns as a true freshman. After his breakout season in 2022, Sarratt transferred to James Madison and joined forces with Curt Cignetti. He improved as a sophomore, hauling in 82 receptions for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.

Sarratt followed Cignetti to Indiana, where he showed he could be just as productive against tougher competition. In 2024, he had 53 catches for 957 yards and eight touchdowns. Sarratt returned to Bloomington for his senior year and is on pace for his best season yet. Through seven games, he’s racked up 43 catches for 603 yards and leads the nation with nine receiving touchdowns. The highlight for Sarratt so far in 2025 was a go-ahead 49-yard touchdown in the final minutes against Iowa.

Strengths

Having reliable hands as a wide receiver is an absolute must. Sarratt checks this box, as he has strong hands to come down with receptions routinely. His frame is ideal for an X-receiver, measuring at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. He uses his size to win on the boundary, excelling at back-shoulder catches. Sarratt can win in press coverage and has incredible movement skills at the line of scrimmage. His route running is the best part of his game, consistently creating space and getting open. Sarratt can find the soft spots in zone coverage. He is a dangerous intermediate threat, as he has the size and hands to make catches in traffic. Sarratt’s production has remained steady at every level he’s played at.

Weaknesses

While there’s plenty to like about Sarratt as a prospect, his raw physical traits don’t stand out. He doesn’t possess true burner speed, meaning he likely won’t be taking the top off defenses in the NFL. His explosiveness after the catch is also a step below the most dynamic pass catchers in this draft class. Sarratt is a player who wins more with technique than pure athleticism.

Overview

Sarratt is one of the best stories in college football this season. He went from a prospect that was off the radar to a player whom opposing defensive coordinators have to game plan around. His combination of route running and size makes him an intriguing option for teams looking for an X-receiver. The lack of elite burst may limit how high Sarratt will be taken, but he’s undoubtedly among the top prospects at his position. His game is similar to Keenan Allen’s, having similar frames and winning more with crisp route running than blazing speed. Sarratt currently projects as a third-round pick, but can be an earlier day-two selection if he continues his current trajectory. He is a great option for a team looking to add depth to their wide receiver room that wants to address other needs in the first round.