The 2025 NFL Draft season is upon us, and a record-breaking 15 Ohio State football players are preparing for one of the most important events in their football careers—the NFL Scouting Combine. This year, Ohio State has sent a historic number of athletes to Indianapolis, a testament to the program’s strength and the talent that has consistently poured out of Columbus. For these players, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Combine is not just a chance to showcase their physical skills, but a pivotal moment that can influence their professional future, earning potential, and legacy in the football world. Let’s explore what’s at stake for these athletes as they head to the Combine.
1. NFL Draft Stock
Arguably the most important aspect of the NFL Scouting Combine is how it impacts a player’s draft stock. The Combine offers players an opportunity to show off their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. While game tape is essential, the Combine allows teams to assess a player’s physical attributes in a controlled environment, where they can measure athleticism, agility, speed, and strength.
For the 15 Ohio State players attending, this is their shot at moving up or down the draft board. Some players, like quarterback C.J. Stroud or defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, might already have their spots in the first round locked in, while others may need to impress during the Combine to improve their draft prospects. For example, a player whose 40-yard dash time or vertical jump isn’t as high as expected could see their draft stock dip, while a standout performance could push them into a more favorable position.
2. Earning Potential and Contracts
The NFL Draft is one of the most lucrative events for college athletes. Players selected in the first round often sign multi-million-dollar contracts with significant signing bonuses. For those taken in later rounds, the contracts are smaller but still offer substantial earnings, especially when factoring in endorsement deals. In 2024, the first-round picks earned an average of over $10 million in signing bonuses alone.
For many of the Ohio State players, the Combine is an essential moment to maximize their earning potential. A great performance could lead to a better draft position and a more substantial contract, setting them up for financial stability for the rest of their careers. Conversely, a poor showing at the Combine may result in a dip in value, potentially costing them millions.
3. Establishing NFL Legacies
Some players going to the NFL Combine have already carved out significant legacies at Ohio State, but the Combine offers them a chance to continue that narrative at the next level. For these players, it’s about establishing themselves as not only NFL-caliber athletes but as stars in the making.
A strong performance at the Combine can set a player apart and elevate them from a well-regarded college player to a future NFL legend. Consider how other Ohio State alumni, such as Ezekiel Elliott or Chase Young, used their Combine performances as a springboard for NFL superstardom. Stroud, for example, will be attempting to prove he’s one of the elite quarterbacks in the country, and a strong performance in interviews and drills could help build his reputation as the next star signal caller in the league.
Moreover, Ohio State players have a legacy of success in the NFL. The Combine is a critical part of continuing that tradition, and it could help build on the reputation that Ohio State is a powerhouse for developing professional-caliber athletes.
4. Health and Injury History
Another aspect of the Combine that is incredibly important, especially for players with injury histories, is the medical evaluation. Scouts and team doctors will evaluate every player to ensure they’re fit for the physical demands of the NFL. Players who have had past injuries, whether from college or earlier in their careers, will be under the microscope.
For many Ohio State athletes, this may be the first time in their careers that teams have full access to their medical history, and it’s essential that they pass these evaluations. A clean bill of health could help allay concerns that may have caused some teams to hesitate during the draft process. Conversely, players with lingering health concerns might see their stock drop, regardless of their on-field performance. This is an area where players and their teams must tread carefully to protect their long-term prospects.
5. Interview Performance and Mental Toughness
While physical tests are crucial, mental toughness is just as significant at the NFL Combine. Teams are not just looking for athletic ability—they want players who can handle the pressures of being in the NFL. The Combine includes a series of interviews where teams assess a player’s personality, intelligence, and overall character. This is especially important for players who might not be household names or those who are seeking to elevate their profiles.
For Ohio State players, this could be a defining factor. Coaches and scouts want to see how players handle the scrutiny and pressure that comes with being in the NFL. How well can they process information? How do they handle adversity? What kind of leadership qualities do they display? These qualities can sometimes be just as important as a player’s physical prowess, especially for high-pressure positions like quarterback, offensive line, or cornerback.
6. Position Battles and Competition
The Ohio State players attending the NFL Combine represent a wide range of positions, and each one faces a different type of competition. While some positions, like quarterback or defensive end, might see fierce competition from other highly-rated prospects, others, such as wide receiver or running back, could face a crowded field of talented players all vying for limited spots.
For wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. or running backs like TreVeyon Henderson, impressing at the Combine is essential to standing out in an incredibly deep class. These positions tend to be highly competitive, and a player’s ability to differentiate themselves in speed, agility, and ball-handling could be the difference between being a top pick and a later-round selection.
7. The Team Fit and Role in the NFL
Not all players will be drafted by the same team, and sometimes a player’s fate can come down to which team picks them and how they fit into that team’s needs. The NFL Combine gives teams a chance to assess how players’ skill sets align with their systems. Some players are best suited for a specific style of play or scheme.
For example, a speedy wide receiver might fit perfectly in a pass-heavy offense like those run by the Kansas City Chiefs or the Miami Dolphins. On the other hand, a player who excels in power running could thrive in a more traditional, run-first offense. For Ohio State’s prospects, this can be a crucial aspect of their future success in the league. A player’s Combine performance and their ability to adapt to different teams’ needs could directly influence how they are used at the next level.
8. National Spotlight and Career Trajectory
Finally, for the Ohio State players, the NFL Combine is an opportunity to shine under the national spotlight. The media coverage, NFL interviews, and social media buzz surrounding the event can raise the profile of any athlete. This is especially true for players who may not have received the same level of attention during their college careers, such as some defensive players or lesser-known offensive talent.
A breakout performance at the Combine can give a player a significant career boost, leading to endorsement deals, media opportunities, and, of course, a better shot at a successful NFL career. This exposure can also have long-term benefits, even if a player isn’t immediately successful in the league. The Combine offers a rare chance for athletes to demonstrate their talents on the largest stage.
Conclusion
The 15 Ohio State players heading to the NFL Combine in 2025 are facing an immense amount of pressure. With their careers, financial futures, and legacies on the line, they are preparing to perform in one of the most scrutinized environments in sports. For these athletes, the stakes are not just about impressing scouts; it’s about making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could shape the rest of their lives.
Whether it’s improving draft stock, earning a significant contract, or solidifying their NFL futures, each player has something unique at stake. For Ohio State, this year’s Combine is another example of the program’s ability to produce elite talent, and for the 15 athletes involved, it’s a step toward securing a place in the world of professional football. The coming weeks will be a defining moment for each of them.
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