Ohio State Football Pro Day 2025: NFL scouts evaluate Buckeye prospects

Ohio State Football Pro Day 2025: NFL Scouts Evaluate Buckeye Prospects

Ohio State University has long been a powerhouse in college football, and its football program consistently produces some of the most talented athletes who go on to shine in the NFL. Every year, Ohio State’s Pro Day serves as a critical event for scouts, coaches, and general managers to evaluate the next generation of NFL talent. The Pro Day offers a unique opportunity to get a closer look at how Buckeye prospects perform in drills and tests outside of the controlled environment of a college football game. For the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Ohio State’s Pro Day attracted dozens of NFL scouts, all eager to evaluate a group of prospects that represented some of the best players the Buckeyes have ever produced.

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, Ohio State’s Pro Day gave scouts the opportunity to evaluate a variety of athletes, including players from both sides of the ball. Among those participating were future stars with the potential to contribute right away in the NFL. From skilled position players like wide receivers and defensive backs to linemen and linebackers, Ohio State’s Pro Day provided insight into how these prospects would fit into professional football.

In this article, we will break down the key takeaways from the 2025 Ohio State Football Pro Day, examine the standout performances, and analyze what scouts had to say about some of the most highly anticipated prospects. These evaluations not only shape the trajectory of individual careers but also signal to NFL teams who could be key contributors in the years to come.

Ohio State’s 2025 Pro Day Overview

Ohio State’s Pro Day in 2025 was held at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on the OSU campus, with NFL scouts from all 32 teams in attendance. The event, which typically takes place in early spring before the NFL Draft, allows draft-eligible players to showcase their physical attributes in a variety of drills, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, cone drills, and position-specific drills tailored to each player’s position.

As is customary for Ohio State’s Pro Day, players had the opportunity to perform in front of NFL personnel, ranging from general managers to position coaches, all hoping to get a closer look at the skill set, athleticism, and character of the Buckeye prospects.

One of the standout aspects of Ohio State’s Pro Day is the presence of several players who had already proven themselves at the college level, whether through accolades, individual performances, or team success. In 2025, Ohio State produced a diverse group of prospects across nearly every position group, and many were expected to make a significant impact on the NFL, immediately after the draft.

Key Ohio State Prospects and Their Performances

As expected, the Ohio State football team brought some of the nation’s most promising NFL prospects to the Pro Day. Among them, a few stood out more than others, both in terms of their potential and their actual performance during the event. Here, we’ll take a deeper look at the most prominent players, their drills, and their results:

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)

Arguably the most highly anticipated player at Ohio State’s 2025 Pro Day was wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. One of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Harrison’s pedigree as the son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr. only added to the buzz surrounding his name. Harrison Jr. had a standout college career at Ohio State, finishing his time with over 3,000 receiving yards and 30+ touchdowns. His ability to separate from defenders, create mismatches with his size (6’4″, 210 pounds), and make difficult catches was well-known before the Pro Day.

During his Pro Day, Harrison Jr. lived up to the hype with an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds, showing off his elite speed and quickness despite his size. In position drills, Harrison displayed excellent route running and ball tracking, catching everything thrown his way with ease. His ability to make spectacular catches in tight windows and his smooth separation from defenders further solidified his reputation as one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 Draft. NFL scouts were particularly impressed by his hand placement and ability to adjust to the ball in the air, showing traits that could make him an immediate contributor at the next level.

Given his size, speed, and sharp route-running skills, Harrison Jr. is expected to be selected in the top five picks of the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially becoming one of the first wide receivers off the board.

2. J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE)

On the defensive side of the ball, one of the most exciting prospects at Ohio State’s 2025 Pro Day was edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau. A dynamic and disruptive defensive force, Tuimoloau earned accolades for his ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and even drop into coverage. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 270 pounds, Tuimoloau showcased his power and explosiveness during the event.

Tuimoloau clocked in with a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, a solid time for a player of his size. His vertical jump of 35 inches and broad jump of 10’5″ further displayed his impressive explosiveness and athleticism. Scouts were particularly impressed with his ability to change direction and work through multiple blockers in drills, demonstrating his polished pass-rushing techniques.

Tuimoloau’s versatility as a hybrid pass rusher capable of both standing up or putting his hand in the dirt makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. He’s expected to be selected in the first round, likely in the mid-to-late portion, and could immediately contribute as a pass rusher for any NFL team.

3. Travion Henderson (RB)

Running back Travion Henderson has long been one of the most electric playmakers in college football. With a combination of speed, agility, and vision, Henderson’s 2025 Pro Day performance was highly anticipated. Standing 5’10” and weighing 210 pounds, Henderson entered the Pro Day with a reputation as a home-run hitter who could take any carry to the house.

Henderson impressed scouts with a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds, showcasing his breakaway speed. In addition to his speed, Henderson’s agility drills were particularly eye-catching. He ran sharp routes, caught passes out of the backfield, and showed the kind of vision that could make him an immediate threat in an NFL offense. NFL teams looking for a well-rounded running back with the ability to contribute in both the running and passing game took note of Henderson’s performance, and he is projected to be a second-round pick in the upcoming draft.

4. Paris Johnson Jr. (OT)

Another key player who garnered significant attention during Ohio State’s Pro Day was offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. One of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class, Johnson is a powerful and athletic tackle who demonstrated his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes during his time in Columbus. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 310 pounds, Johnson has all the physical attributes that NFL teams covet in a franchise tackle.

At the Pro Day, Johnson demonstrated his quickness and technique during the position-specific drills. He showed off his lateral movement and ability to keep defenders at bay with his strong punch and grip. Johnson posted a 40-yard dash time of 5.01 seconds, which, while not blazing, is impressive for a player of his size. His movement skills and overall flexibility made him a standout, and scouts believe he can make an immediate impact as a starting offensive tackle at the next level.

Johnson is a likely first-round pick and will be highly sought after by NFL teams in need of offensive line help.

5. Ronnie Hickman (S)

Safety Ronnie Hickman also had a standout performance at Ohio State’s Pro Day. Known for his playmaking ability and leadership on defense, Hickman impressed scouts with his versatility and ability to cover ground quickly. He posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds, which was one of the fastest among the defensive backs at the Pro Day. In addition to his speed, Hickman’s positional drills showcased his ability to cover both deep zones and close-range routes effectively.

Hickman’s ability to play in both single-high and two-high safety sets, as well as his capacity to contribute in run support, makes him an attractive option for NFL teams. With his quickness, instincts, and versatility, Hickman is expected to be a second- or third-round pick.

NFL Scouts’ Takeaways from Ohio State’s Pro Day

NFL scouts were clearly impressed with the talent on display at Ohio State’s 2025 Pro Day. Several of the prospects stood out as potential immediate contributors to NFL rosters. Marvin Harrison Jr. solidified his place as one of the top wide receiver prospects, while J.T. Tuimoloau and Paris Johnson Jr. proved their worth as potential early-round picks. Travion Henderson and Ronnie Hickman also saw their stock rise after solid performances.

The Pro Day was more than just a series of drills; it was a showcase of the hard work and development that these young athletes had undergone during their time at Ohio State. The impressive performances provided scouts with critical data that will help shape their draft decisions in the coming weeks.