Why Pro Football Focus has this Hoosiers star trending among college football's best

The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off the most impressive season in program history, reaching the College Football Playoff under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. And while the offense stole most of the headlines, the defense had its share of stars too — especially in the secondary.

At least Pro Football Focus thinks so.

PFF released its “College 50” rankings this week, highlighting the top 50 players in the country ahead of the 2025 season. Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds landed at No. 24 overall.

​”The first guy off the bus” is a phrase used to describe a team’s physically most imposing player,” PFF wrote. “In that sense, Ponds would likely be the last off the bus for the Hoosiers at just 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds. That hasn’t kept him from performing like one of the nation’s best cornerbacks in each of his first two seasons, though.”

Ponds transferred to Indiana after a breakout freshman season at James Madison, and he wasted no time showing he could thrive at the Power Five level. Despite his smaller frame, he plays with the physicality, speed, and fearlessness that have made him one of college football’s most reliable corners — both in coverage and against the run.

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“Ponds proved his breakout freshman season at James Madison was no fluke, quickly establishing himself as one of college football’s elite corners again last fall at Indiana,” PFF wrote. “His 91.8 PFF overall grade over the past two seasons is the highest among all returning FBS cornerbacks.”

The advanced numbers tell the story, but so do the stats. Ponds finished last season with 35 tackles, three interceptions, and nine pass breakups. His versatility showed up all over the field — whether lined up outside or in the nickel — as he consistently held his own against some of the best competition the Big Ten has to offer.

Now entering his third season, Ponds is expected to be the cornerstone of a Hoosiers defense looking to build on last year’s historic run — with plenty of eyes on him every step of the way.