The Las Vegas Raiders signed former Maryland and Indiana running back Roman Hemby to a three-year undrafted free agent contract worth $3.12 million with a $20,000 signing bonus and $220,000 guaranteed. After spending his first four collegiate seasons with the Terrapins, Hemby transferred to the Hoosiers for the 2025 season, where he teamed up with Fernando Mendoza. He enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, totaling a career-high 1,120 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games, along with 165 receiving yards and 203 kick return yards. He also gained 773 yards after contact, forced 37 missed tackles, and had 26 rushes of more than 10 yards.
In his rookie season, the 23-year-old Roman Hemby will compete against Dylan Laube and Chris Collier for a spot on the 53-man roster alongside starter Ashton Jeanty and top backup Mike Washington Jr. Because of his $220,000 in guarantees and familiarity with Fernando Mendoza, Hemby has a real shot of making the team.
The Las Vegas Raiders 1st pick’s teammate is an UDFA with the best chance to make the team
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) hands the ball to Roman Hemby (1) as Miami’s Rueban Bain Jr. (4) closes in during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
In a Bleacher Report article, Kristopher Knox identified one undrafted free agent from each team with the best chance of making the 53-man roster. For Las Vegas, he named Roman Hemby, highlighting his connection with Fernando Mendoza and his 5-foot-11, 207-pound frame. Additionally, Knox added that Hemby is well-suited to complement Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. and has the traits to beat out Dylan Laube and Chris Collier.
“A year ago, the Las Vegas Raiders used the sixth overall pick on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Over draft weekend, they used a fourth-round pick on speed Arkansas back Mike Washington Jr. to provide a change-of-pace. However, the UDFA signing of Indiana’s Roman Hemby is significant—and not just because he played with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
“Sure, the Hoosiers connection is meaningful, but the Raiders aren’t exactly stacked with backfield depth behind Jeanty and Washington. The 5’11⅞”, 207-pound Hemby is well-suited to complement the faster Washington and the do-it-all skill set of Jeanty,” Knox said.
“Hemby recorded 1,120 rushing yards and 165 receiving yards this past season with Indiana, following four at Maryland. His rapport with Mendoza may get him into Raiders camp, but his traits should allow him to beat out the likes of Dylan Laube and Chris Collier for a roster spot.”
“Hard-charging runner with average vision/burst but good decisiveness and the ability to finish through contact. Hemby is wired for hard running inside, but he has the one-cut quickness to succeed on zone carries. He has stop-start quickness to reset the run against penetration but rarely looks to elude tacklers once he hits it downfield.
“Punishing collisions are inevitable for defensive backs looking to tackle him in the open field. He’s willing in protection but must clean up mental errors. Hemby is a viable pass-catcher, which should add to his value as a likely Day 3 pick and potential three-down backup who can handle short-yardage carries right away.”
He projects as an average backup or special-teamer.
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