Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. Delivers Toe-Tap Touchdown to Preserve Undefeated Season Against Penn State
By [Your Name] | [Newsroom/Source] | November 9, 2025
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — With 36 seconds left on the clock in a tense fourth quarter, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. leaped above Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley in the back of the end zone, contorted his body midair, and dragged his inside foot to complete a seven-yard touchdown reception that will be remembered as one of the plays of the 2025 college football season—and perhaps beyond[1][3]. The catch, a textbook toe-tap in traffic, gave the No. 2 Hoosiers a 27-24 lead and preserved their undefeated record, while handing Penn State its sixth consecutive loss in what has become a trying season for the Nittany Lions[1][3].
The Moment That Defined the Game
The stakes could not have been higher. Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten), long an afterthought in the conference, arrived in Happy Valley with a chance to make history—not only to remain unbeaten but also to secure its first-ever win at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium[1]. Standing in their way was a Penn State program mired in its longest losing streak in 21 years, desperate to salvage pride on home turf[1]. The Hoosiers appeared in control with a 20-10 lead after three quarters, but the Nittany Lions came roaring back in the fourth, taking a 24-20 lead and silencing the contingent of Hoosier fans who made the trip[3].
But with 1:48 left and the season on the line, quarterback Fernando Mendoza drove Indiana inside Penn State territory. On third-and-goal from the seven, Mendoza lofted a pass to the far corner of the end zone where Cooper, tightly covered, made an acrobatic catch. The play instantly went to video review, and after a suspenseful wait, the touchdown stood—igniting euphoria on the Indiana sideline and disbelief among Penn State supporters[1][4].
Call of the Year
The gravity of the moment was not lost on FOX play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson, whose exuberant call became as memorable as the catch itself. “Touchdown! Wow!” Johnson exclaimed as the replay rolled. “Omar Cooper! Unbelievable!” He later said, “That’s the best catch I have seen all season long,” as the play was confirmed, capturing the raw emotion of the moment[2]. The call, widely shared on social media, is already being touted as a highlight of Johnson’s legendary broadcasting career[2][5].
Penn State’s Heartbreak
For Penn State (3-6, 0-6), the loss was the latest twist in a nightmare autumn. Playing under an interim coach, the Nittany Lions had 336 yards of offense but couldn’t finish, losing yet again at home despite fighting back from a double-digit deficit[3]. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer was efficient, completing 22 of 31 passes for 219 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, but the defense could not stop Indiana’s late drive[3]. With the ball on the 50-yard line and 5 seconds left, a last-gasp Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete, sealing Penn State’s fate and extending Indiana’s dream season[1].
By the Numbers
Beyond the stunning finish, the box score reflected a closely contested battle. Indiana amassed 326 total yards (218 passing, 108 rushing), converted 20 first downs, and committed just 3 penalties[3]. Mendoza finished 17-of-32 for 204 yards, with the touchdown to Cooper Jr.—a pass that will be replayed for years in Bloomington. Penn State, meanwhile, got strong performances from running back Nicholas Singleton (71 yards, 2 TDs) and receiver Trebor Pena (6 catches, 99 yards), but the defense conceded the decisive score when it mattered most[3].
What’s Next?
With the win, Indiana keeps its national championship aspirations alive and sets up a potential Big Ten East Division-clinching showdown in the weeks ahead. For Penn State, questions will linger about the future of the program as the losing streak reaches six ahead of next week’s date with Michigan State[3].
“Whatever you call it, this was a moment for all time—for Omar Cooper Jr., for Indiana football, and for anyone who loves college football drama.”
— Anonymous Indiana Fan
Instant Classic
Cooper’s catch will be scrutinized in highlight reels, training rooms, and podcasts for the rest of the year. For the Indiana faithful, it’s confirmation that their team—long in the shadow of Big Ten bluebloods—belongs among the nation’s elite. For neutrals, it’s a reminder of why college football, at its best, is as thrilling as any sport in America.
As Cooper Jr. walked off the field, the stadium buzzed with the recognition that history had been made—not just for a team, but for a receiver who, for a split second, leaped higher than anyone else on the field, and landed in Hoosier lore.