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Roman Hemby signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after going undrafted on April 25, 2026. The Indiana running back will reunite with Heisman-winning teammate Fernando Mendoza and NFL right tackle DJ Glaze in Las Vegas.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Status: Signed as undrafted free agent on April 25, 2026
- 2025 Stats: 1,120 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns in 230 carries
- College Ties: Roommate of new No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza at Indiana
- Career: 4,840 all-purpose yards over 5 seasons at Maryland and Indiana
Hemby Finally Gets NFL Opportunity After Draft Pass
Roman Hemby became available as a UDFA after no NFL team selected him during the seven-round draft on April 24-25. The Indiana Hoosiers standout, projected as a late sixth or seventh-round pick by scouts, completed his Pro Day at IU instead of attending the NFL Combine. His 4.54-second 40-yard dash showed limited explosiveness compared to elite NFL backs. Despite modest athletic testing, his 4.9 yards per carry average and consistency made him attractive to NFL teams scouting the undrafted market.
The Raiders moved quickly after the draft concluded, signing Hemby to join their depth chart. The franchise targeted a complementary running back to pair with starter Ashton Jeanty under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. Adding Hemby provided Las Vegas with a proven, durable option for their rushing attack.
Roman Hemby signs with Raiders as UDFA, reunites with Mendoza
Scooter Braun and Sydney Sweeney attend Stagecoach in Indio, California
Indiana’s National Championship Running Back Reaches the NFL
Hemby had his strongest season in 2025 with the Indiana Hoosiers, who won the national championship alongside Mendoza. The 6-foot, 210-pound back rushed for 1,120 yards and added 17 receptions for 165 yards during the Hoosiers’ historic title run. His most dramatic moment came in the 56-3 victory over Purdue, where he recorded an 82-yard touchdown run, the longest scoring rush in the 101-year history of the Old Oaken Bucket Game.
Over his full college career, Hemby compiled 3,467 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns on 711 carries. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after showing reliable pass protection and dual-threat capabilities. Scouts praised his work ethic and durability, noting he missed just one game over four seasons from 2022-25.
Reconnecting with Teammates at Raiders
| Connection | Context |
| Fernando Mendoza | IU QB, No. 1 overall pick, national champion teammate |
| DJ Glaze | Raiders right tackle, Maryland teammate (3 years) |
| Signing Date | April 25, 2026, immediately after draft |
| Role | Complementary back behind Ashton Jeanty |
“He’d enjoy serving as the complementary back Klint Kubiak is looking to pair with Ashton Jeanty because not only would he be reunited with Fernando Mendoza, but also with one of his closest friends in DJ Glaze.”
— Adam Hill, Las Vegas Review-Journal
What Hemby Brings to the Raiders Offense
Hemby’s skill set makes him valuable as a backup option in Kubiak’s scheme. The Indiana product showed impressive vision in space and reliable hands out of the backfield, catching passes consistently throughout his college career. His 4.8 yards per carry production demonstrates a decisive running style despite average athletic explosiveness. Scouts noted his willingness in pass protection, a key requirement for backs in modern NFL offenses.
One advantage for the Raiders involves Hemby’s familiarity with his new teammates. Playing alongside Mendoza at Indiana means he already understands the QB’s tendencies and communication style. Meanwhile, his history with Glaze from their Maryland days creates an instant chemistry on the offensive line. These connections could accelerate Hemby’s integration into the Raiders’ system.
Does This Undrafted Signing Lower the Draft Investing in RB Depth?
The Raiders’ decision to sign Hemby immediately suggests the front office may deprioritize another running back in later draft rounds. Head coach Klint Kubiak expressed confidence about finding a complementary back during draft preparation. With Hemby now secured, GM John Spytex can focus on other roster needs like defensive line and secondary depth. The undrafted market this year featured strong RB options, making Hemby’s quick signing a strategic move to avoid draft capital expenditure on the position.
Success stories of UDFAs in the NFL remain limited but possible. Hemby’s durability, productivity, and college connections in Las Vegas give him a realistic path to making the Raiders’ roster. Whether he becomes a rotation back or practice squad player will depend on his NFL-level execution and ability to adjust to professional speed.
Sources
- The Herald-Times – Roman Hemby signs with Raiders as UDFA after going undrafted
- Heavy.com – Raiders sign 1,120-yard RB with ties to Fernando Mendoza
- USA Today Raiders Wire – Raiders 2026 undrafted free agent tracker and signings
