Twelve Buckeyes Head to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Who Can Move Up, Who's Locked In, and What to Watch

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. Who from Ohio State is on the clock in Indianapolis
4. What matters most at the Combine: drills, interviews and medicals
5. Player-by-player analysis: what each Buckeye must show
6. Benchmarks and examples: numbers that change conversations
7. Draft implications: who’s locked, who can rise, who risks falling
8. How NFL teams use the Combine in decision-making
9. Historical perspective: combines that moved the needle
10. The media sessions: substance beyond speed
11. Pro Day vs. Combine: strategic decisions
12. Team fit scenarios: where Buckeyes could land
13. What a strong Buckeye week looks like — benchmarks by outcome
14. Media coverage and fan expectations
15. The long-snapper wildcard
16. What coaches and scouts say: qualitative evaluation
17. Potential narrative arcs from Combine week
18. What the Combine won’t tell teams
19. Final outlook heading into Saturday
20. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Twelve Ohio State prospects — including projected top-seven talents Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles — will take part in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine; long snapper John Ferlmann will also work out with specialists despite not being on the NFL’s official invite list.
• The week’s workouts, interviews and medical checks will either confirm or reshape draft boards: elite measurables could vault non-locked prospects into first-round consideration, while subpar performances could create downward movement for lesser-established names.
• Position-specific drills and interviews matter differently for each Buckeye; linebackers and edge defenders need explosive strength and agility tests, defensive backs require top-end speed and change-of-direction numbers, and tight ends and receivers will be judged heavily on leaping ability, hands and route quickness.

Introduction

A cluster of Ohio State players will run through the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week, joining 319 prospects hoping to convert college tape into draft capital. The Buckeyes’ group blends consensus first-rounders and players with something to prove: elite prospects who can sit out parts of the on-field schedule, and developmental players who can use a standout 40-yard dash or a quick, sharp three-cone to force evaluators to take another look.

The schedule splits the group’s media sessions and on-field work across multiple days, and the Buckeyes’ camp will be closely monitored by teams and national analysts. Beyond timed sprints and vertical jumps, medical reports and interviews will shape grading as decisively as on-field testing. This week will not only answer how fast each prospect runs or how high he jumps; it will clarify whether position coaches, general managers and GMs’ medical staffs see the same player Ohio State fans watched on Saturdays.

The following deeper look examines each Buckeye attending the combine, the drills that will matter most for them, realistic performance targets, the broader impact on their draft stock, and how teams might view their fits. The approach blends historical Combine precedent with specific tape-based needs for each player and examines how interviews and medical checking can shift projections.

Who from Ohio State is on the clock in Indianapolis

Twelve members of Ohio State’s 2025 roster are scheduled to participate in the Combine’s media sessions and workouts: inside-outside linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles; defensive tackle Kayden McDonald; defensive end Caden Curry; corner Davison Igbinosun; safety Caleb Downs; defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr.; tight ends Will Kacmarek and Max Klare; running back CJ Donaldson; and wide receiver Carnell Tate. Long snapper John Ferlmann, while not on the NFL’s official invite list, is working out with other long snappers on Wednesday.

The group represents a cross-section of defensive playmakers and offensive role players — a reflection of Ohio State’s defensive rebuild and steady production of NFL-ready skill players. Several are widely projected as early picks; others view the Combine as an audition to either confirm first-round status or crack the first day.

The publicly posted schedule separates media interviews and on-field workouts across Wednesday through Saturday. Media sessions give scouts and reporters face time and allow teams to gauge communication, football intellect and temperament. On-field drills test measurable athletic traits and position-specific skills.

Expect this sequence: official weigh-ins and medical checks first, then interviews, and then on-field testing or a decision to defer some workouts to the player’s Pro Day. Teams have become more surgical with what they require prospects to do at Indianapolis; high-end prospects often skip certain measures to avoid unnecessary wear. For players not firmly established, the Combine becomes a proving ground.

What matters most at the Combine: drills, interviews and medicals

The traditional Combine checklist — 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, 3-cone, and 20-yard shuttle — still anchors how athletic traits are dialed in. But the event’s value extends far beyond numbers.

• Medical evaluations: Team doctors get access to imaging, surgical histories and the chance to examine joints and soft tissue in person. A clean medical check can reassure teams; a previously unknown concern can push a player down unexpectedly.
• Football interviews: Teams test mental processing, scheme comprehension, leadership qualities and character fit. For quarterbacks and linebackers, football IQ questions are intense; for position-group leaders like safeties or veteran TEs, their answers can influence whether a team sees them as a three-down pro or a situational prospect.
• Positional drills and meetings: On-field reps let scouts confirm tape traits in a controlled setting. A corner who shows elite short-area change of direction and recovery speed on shuttle drills can move up; a tight end who fails to show athleticism in routes may fall.

Combine performance can validate tape or expose limitations. Timetable decisions — whether to perform certain drills or wait for a Pro Day — will reveal how teams and agents view risk. Many of Ohio State’s projected first-rounders had the luxury to limit on-field exposure; players on the bubble need a full slate to maximize visibility.

Player-by-player analysis: what each Buckeye must show

Below are individualized breakdowns of each prospect, the drills that matter most, target numbers or benchmarks scouts will reference, and how a strong or weak showing could affect draft status.

Arvell Reese — Linebacker

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Reese plays fast and physical, with production against Power Five competition and instincts that show in run fits and play diagnosis.
• What to show: Bench press for demonstrable strength, a 3-cone under 7.1 seconds, and a 40 in the 4.6–4.8 range for linebackers who project to be three-down players. A vertical above 35 inches further validates explosiveness.
• Draft impact: A complete showing — strong benches, crisp agility drills, and fluid change-of-direction — should cement him as a top-20 pick. Poor agility times or medical concerns could push him into the middle of the first round or later.

Sonny Styles — Linebacker

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Athleticism, chase ability sideline-to-sideline, and experience in multiple defensive roles. Physical traits make him an intriguing high-ceiling prospect.
• What to show: 40 time in the low-4.6s would underline sideline range. Three-cone under 7.0 enhances his standing as a coverage-capable linebacker. Bench reps demonstrate willingness and upper-body strength in trenches.
• Draft impact: Because some evaluators already project him high, Styles can afford to skip select drills; still, athletic confirmation lowers perceived risk and solidifies a top-10–20 projection. A sluggish workout or medical red flag could create a slide.

Kayden McDonald — Defensive Tackle

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Interior disruption, gap integrity, and weight-room production on tape. If he’s projected in many mocks to be a first-round interior lineman, the Combine tests his explosiveness and strength metrics.
• What to show: 40 in the 4.8–5.1 range is acceptable for DTs, but vertical and broad jumps matter for explosion; bench press reps over 25 make a statement. Short-area agility on the 3-cone and shuttle can highlight pass-rush flexibility.
• Draft impact: Strong bench and explosion numbers can confirm first-round stock. Poor testing that raises concerns about suddenness could make him a late-first or early-second selection.

Caden Curry — Defensive End

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Edge violence on tape and growing pass-rush traits. Teams will parse burst and first-step quickness.
• What to show: A 40 time in the mid-4.6s to low-4.7s, 3-cone under 7.1 and a solid broad/vertical to demonstrate explosion. Bench reps are less critical for lighter edge players but still useful.
• Draft impact: A standout showing could raise Curry into early-day two conversation for teams wanting athletic edge rushers. Mediocre numbers leave his draft spot tied closely to tape and pass-rush production.

Davison Igbinosun — Cornerback

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Length, fluid hips and coverage experience. Speed and recovery ability matter for corners with long frames.
• What to show: 40 in the 4.3–4.5 range validates top-tier corner speed. A vertical over 35 inches and 3-cone under 6.9 highlight ball skills and short-area quickness.
• Draft impact: Elite speed can vault him into the first round. A middling 40 or poor agility can force teams to downgrade him toward day-two selection, especially if technique concerns appear.

Caleb Downs — Safety

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Physicality, coverage versatility and instincts in the box and in center-field play. Widely mocked as a top pick, his Combine will confirm physical metrics.
• What to show: A 40 in the 4.4–4.6 range is ideal, with a sub-7.0 three-cone showing range and hip fluidity. Bench reps and vertical numbers are valuable to prove strike-taking ability and explosion.
• Draft impact: As one of the players mocked inside the top seven by national analysts, Downs risks little by delivering solid numbers. A medical issue or a shockingly weak workout could cause jarring movement; otherwise, expect him to be picked very early.

Lorenzo Styles Jr. — Defensive Back

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Versatility in slot and boundary roles, effective tackler with ball skills. A multi-dimensional college role makes his testing important for team fit.
• What to show: A 40 in the 4.4–4.6 range and a strong three-cone below 7.1. Sagging short-area agility might push him into an NFL nickel/specialist projection.
• Draft impact: A clean Combine strengthens his case for early-day two selection or late first in the eyes of teams valuing interchangeable DBs. Poor change-of-direction metrics reduce versatility value.

Will Kacmarek — Tight End

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Positional football IQ, reliable route running, and potential as an inline blocker or move TE depending on weight and strength.
• What to show: Vertical of 33–38 inches, broad jump above 9.5 feet, and a 3-cone under 7.2 are positive. Combine times help determine whether he projects as an H-back or a pure receiving tight end.
• Draft impact: Strong athletic testing can improve his projection into day-two selection. Lackluster results will emphasize his technical strengths but limit draft-night upside.

Max Klare — Tight End

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Blocking pedigree combined with developing receiving chops. Teams will watch hands and ability to separate in short spaces.
• What to show: Leaping ability in the vertical and reliable route agility in the three-cone and shuttle. Bench strength signals inline blocking reliability.
• Draft impact: Tight ends who show receiving explosion often see value jump. If Klare demonstrates ability to separate and catch consistently in drills, he could become an enticing day-two target.

CJ Donaldson — Running Back

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: College production with a combination of power and receiving capability. RB prospects must convince teams of both explosion and durability.
• What to show: 40 time in the 4.4–4.6 range makes a strong case; 3-cone under 7.0 and shuttle results underline short-area elusiveness. Bench press numbers help argue for early-down power.
• Draft impact: RBs are judged both on tape and physical upside. A quick 40 and sharp agility drills can move Donaldson into earlier rounds where teams seek dual-threat backs. A slow time and limited agility point toward later-day picks.

Carnell Tate — Wide Receiver

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Route savvy, contested-catch ability and contested catch wins on tape. Analysts project Tate as an early first-rounder.
• What to show: 40 in the 4.35–4.55 range accelerates first-round case. Vertical in the high-30s or 40+ inches and a broad jump above 10 feet validate leaping and contested-catch potential. The 3-cone and shuttle measure suddenness and route-change quickness.
• Draft impact: An elite Combine — particularly a sub-4.45 40 and explosive jumps — would lock Tate as an early top-20 pick. Poor times reduce separation value in evaluators’ eyes and could create late-first/early-second scenarios.

John Ferlmann — Long Snapper

• Why he’s on scouts’ radars: Long snapping remains a specialized, under-scouted position. While not on the NFL’s main invite list, Ferlmann’s presence among the long snappers gives him a stage to demonstrate consistency.
• What to show: Clean, consistent snaps under pressure and the ability to hold on punts and execute shotgun snaps precisely. Athletic testing is secondary.
• Draft impact: Few long snappers are drafted, but a flawless Combine and positive interviews could lead to priority undrafted free agent interest or even a late-round selection in rare cases.

Benchmarks and examples: numbers that change conversations

The Combine’s numerical benchmarks are shorthand for athletic archetypes. For context, consider these guideline ranges scouts reference:

• Cornerbacks: 40-yard dash 4.30–4.55, 3-cone sub-7.0, vertical 35"+. Fast times and elite short-area quickness separate first-round corners from day-two prospects.
• Safeties: 40-yard 4.40–4.60, 3-cone under 7.1 for coverage-type safeties, higher bench reps and verticals for box safeties.
• Linebackers: 40 in the 4.6–4.8 range is common. Sub-7.0 three-cone for coverage-capable LBs stands out; 20+ bench reps indicates physical capability to hold blocks.
• Edge rushers: 40 in the 4.6–4.8 range for speed-edges. Short-area quickness on three-cone and broad jump numbers reveal explosion more than the 40 sometimes does.
• Tight ends and receivers: Vertical 34–40+, broad jumps indicative of explosion, 40 times in receiver territory (mid-4.3s to 4.6s) for outside threats.
• Interior linemen: 40 in the 4.9–5.3 range, with bench press and explosion measured by broad and vertical jumps telling a fuller story.

Past Combines show how a single number can affect perception. John Ross’s 4.22 40-yard dash in 2017 dramatically boosted his draft profile and helped him to a top-10 selection; similarly, cornerbacks and receivers who post blazing times often see draft boards shift to accommodate the measurable. Medicals and interviews have derailed prospects too; teams have downgraded players after discovering chronic injuries or poor recovery markers in Indianapolis.

For the 2026 Buckeyes, numbers will be compared to these benchmarks and to tape. Teams will always weigh film most heavily; the Combine provides context and risk-reduction. A prospect who looks the part on film and then posts elite measurements typically cements first-round slots. Conversely, a prospect with high variance on tape needs a near-perfect Combine to close the gap.

Draft implications: who’s locked, who can rise, who risks falling

Four Ohio State players — Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles — feature in a high-profile mock draft that places them within the top seven. If multiple teams select Buckeyes that early, the program will match historic single-school drafts that have produced clusters of early picks.

Locked-ish prospects

• Caleb Downs: Consensus top safety with a film profile that suits many modern defenses. A routine Combine that confirms his athleticism should lead to an early pick.
• Carnell Tate: Tape shows contested-catch ability and route competence. Elite athletic testing would tilt teams toward using a premium pick for his skill set.

Risers with opportunity

• Davison Igbinosun: A great 40 and agility testing would vault him into day-one conversation. The modern premium on speed at corner can be decisive.
• CJ Donaldson: A quick 40 and strong agility drills can move Donaldson into higher-round conversations, especially for teams that prioritize dual-threat backs.

Bubble-to-first-round candidates

• Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles: Both have the tape to be first-round picks if workouts and medicals confirm durability and athleticism. They are the most binary prospects — they either solidify as first-rounders or slip somewhat depending on testing.
• Kayden McDonald and Caden Curry: Interior and edge linemen are evaluated heavily on explosion and bench work. Solid numbers keep them in first-round range; weak testing could push them down.

Day-two and developmental prospects

• Will Kacmarek, Max Klare, Lorenzo Styles Jr.: These players could be early day two picks if they show special traits at the Combine. Tight ends who separate or blockers with reliable hands and athleticism get drafted on day two.
• John Ferlmann: More likely an undrafted free agent signing unless a team views him as an unusually standout specialist.

Risks that could cost draft positioning

• Medical red flags discovered in imaging or during orthopedic exams.
• Poor short-area agility or slow 40 times that contradict tape-based expectations.
• Interviews that reveal character or comprehension concerns; conversely, strong interviews sometimes offset average tests.

How NFL teams use the Combine in decision-making

Teams use the Combine as a multilayered assessment tool, not a single ledger. The process is typically additive:

• Tape remains primary. Teams will not ignore consistent on-field production because of one poor drill.
• Medical confidence affects investment. Teams invest draft capital based on health certainty; medical red flags often translate into draft-day conservatism.
• Athletic validation matters for scheme fit. Defenses that run complex zone schemes prize cover-range safeties and linebackers who can move in space; offenses that need vertical threat receivers will weigh 40 times heavily.
• Interviews uncover cognitive and cultural fit. Teams evaluate how players process situational football, communicate, and react to pressure.

A single Combine week rarely reorders an entire draft. Instead, it clarifies risk, highlights measurables that fit certain schemes, and sometimes provides a boost to lesser-known players who perform exceptionally.

Historical perspective: combines that moved the needle

Several past combines showcase the event’s influence. John Ross’s sub-4.25 40 in 2017 consumed draft narratives and elevated him into a top-10 selection; DK Metcalf’s impressive athletic testing in 2019 reinforced a jump from day-two prospect to first-rounder in many evaluations. Conversely, prospects who arrive with surgically-managed injuries sometimes see teams defer evaluation to medicals and private workouts, decreasing the Combine’s immediate draft influence but not removing it entirely.

For Ohio State, the program’s consistent pipeline to the NFL ensures that teams approach Buckeyes with serious interest. Still, the Combine separates the top-end from the high-floor prospects: players on the fringe of first-round grades face the biggest variance this week.

The media sessions: substance beyond speed

Media interviews attract headlines, but NFL team interviews — closed-door meetings — are the real currency. Teams use these sessions to:

• Test play processing speed with hypothetical scheme situations.
• Gauge leadership and locker-room behavior with situational character questions.
• Confirm football understanding beyond broadcast soundbites.

Prospects with leadership traits sometimes elevate draft status; a position like safety that operates as an on-field communicator sees premium value attached to cognitive and vocal traits.

Eleven Warriors will be posting full videos of the Buckeyes’ interview sessions and additional updates. These clips serve both fans and analysts who want to evaluate how prospects handle questions under pressure, and whether they demonstrate the coachability and maturity teams covet.

Pro Day vs. Combine: strategic decisions

Teams will also evaluate what prospects do at Ohio State’s Pro Day after the Combine. The strategic calculus often goes like this:

• Upper-echelon prospects skip certain Combine drills and show them at Pro Day. They avoid unnecessary exertion and control performance conditions at their school facility.
• Prospects who test well at the Combine sometimes stand pat to avoid giving teams new data.
• Players who fall short at the Combine may use Pro Day to redeem themselves in a more familiar setting.

Agents and clubs decide whether to perform at Indianapolis or defer to a Pro Day, and those choices signal confidence or caution. Watch who opts to do what: a last-minute decision to skip a drill at the Combine often means a player and his camp are either protecting health or choosing an environment where they can maximize measured performance.

Team fit scenarios: where Buckeyes could land

Draft-night fits depend on team-specific needs and the relative value of the players at pick time. Without projecting exact franchises, consider this strategic view:

• Teams seeking coverage safeties will prioritize players like Caleb Downs who mix run support with center-field range.
• Franchises needing edge rushers or hybrid rushers will target Caden Curry if testing shows burst and bend.
• Pass-heavy teams that covet boundary corners could value Davison Igbinosun’s length and speed.
• Running-needy clubs that draft for offensive versatility might use a higher pick on CJ Donaldson if he shows dual-threat metrics.
• Teams with deficits in contested-catch situations or red-zone offense will look closely at Carnell Tate for immediate impact.

Draft fits are seldom purely about scheme; they also hinge on special teams value, leadership traits, and medical certainty.

What a strong Buckeye week looks like — benchmarks by outcome

• Confirmed first-round status: For projected first-rounders, a clean medical, solid-to-exceptional athletic numbers (hitting or exceeding the position benchmarks listed earlier), and composed interviews lock their standing.
• Move-up performance: For borderline players, a sub-benchmark 40 (e.g., a corner under 4.45 or a tight end with a 40 in the low-4.6s and explosive jumps) paired with sharp 3-cone times generally creates upward movement.
• Neutral week: Respectable but unspectacular numbers that match collegiate film maintain draft position but don’t produce headlines.
• Downslide: Medical concerns or surprising deficits in agility/speed can create sharp slides, particularly for positions where measurables are essential.

Every drill has context; a slow 40 but outstanding 3-cone and shuttle can still favor a prospect who operates in short spaces more than straight-line speed.

Media coverage and fan expectations

Local and national coverage will amplify standout numbers and interviews. Analysts will parse tape, overlay combinable metrics, and update mock drafts in near-real time. Fans often latch onto one or two metrics — a 40 time or a vertical — but scouts emphasize consistency across measurements and corroboration with tape.

Eleven Warriors’ plan to publish interview videos and continual updates will give Ohio State loyalists immediate access to the players’ interview performances and on-field skills. For teams watching, those videos become another data point in a growing mosaic of evaluation.

The long-snapper wildcard

Long snappers rarely headline Combine coverage, but they can quietly hold significant value. Teams sometimes prefer to vet long snappers face-to-face, checking snap-to-handle times, spiral accuracy, and consistency. John Ferlmann’s presence among specialist workouts, even without an official NFL invite, gives him exposure to coaches and scouts who might prioritize reliability over prototypical athleticism. A flawless week could lead to immediate interest at the undrafted free agent level.

What coaches and scouts say: qualitative evaluation

Scouts’ written notes tend to balance measurable data with visceral, film-based judgments. Expect comments along these lines:

• “Instinctive run defender who needs to show lateral burst on the 3-cone to prove he can handle drop responsibilities.”
• “Outstanding hands in contested situations; a top-40 time would force teams to consider immediate starter-level deployment.”
• “Medical clearance is the key variable; tape and athleticism align with day-one starter potential.”

Those types of qualitative observations help explain why some prospects can thrive despite average numbers and why others require exceptional Combine weeks to justify higher grades.

Potential narrative arcs from Combine week

A few storylines to watch as the week develops:

• Validation narrative: A projected top-10 Buckeye posts elite numbers, closing any remaining "are they athletic enough?" questions.
• Breakout narrative: A mid-round projection posts explosive testing, creating a draft-boost narrative.
• Medical narrative: A previously unknown injury concern surfaces, and teams recalibrate.
• Specialist success: The long snapper or a specialist narrowly off the radar impresses enough to land guaranteed interest.

Combine week rarely produces a clean sweep where every Buckeye outperforms expectations, but it often separates the truly elite from the merely very good.

What the Combine won’t tell teams

The Combine cannot fully quantify intangibles like character under long-term stress, day-to-day durability, or scheme-specific instincts that emerge only after prolonged professional coaching. It is also a static test; it cannot recreate the full velocity of a pro season’s grind. Teams therefore pair Combine data with interviews, third-party references, and simulated practices before finalizing significant investments.

Final outlook heading into Saturday

Expect Ohio State to receive substantial attention throughout the week. The group’s mixture of elite prospects and players poised to capitalize on an excellent Combine should maintain the Buckeyes’ status as a key pipeline to the NFL. Those projected as top-10 picks will likely preserve their standing barring unexpected medical findings. For the rest, the Combine offers a critical stage to convert uncertain draft whispers into firm selections.

The next few days of testing and the subsequent Ohio State Pro Day will produce a fuller picture. Teams will emerge with updated internal boards, and mock drafts will shift accordingly. For Buckeye fans, the Combine will answer many questions about measurable traits while highlighting a handful of players whose one-week flights could accelerate or alter their professional trajectories.

FAQ

Q: How many Ohio State players are participating in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine? A: Twelve Ohio State players are expected to participate in Combine-related activities, including media sessions and on-field workouts. Long snapper John Ferlmann, while not on the NFL’s official invite list, is working out with long snappers on Wednesday.

Q: Which Ohio State players are projected to be top picks? A: National mock drafts and analysts have recently projected Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles within the top seven picks. Kayden McDonald also appears in many first-round projections. Combine performances will either confirm those projections or create room for movement.

Q: How important are Combine workouts for players already projected in the first round? A: For most projected first-rounders, Combine workouts confirm athletic traits and provide medical certainty. Many top prospects selectively choose which drills to perform; a clean medical and solid test numbers typically lock in status. The Combine is most critical to borderline prospects looking to elevate themselves.

Q: Which drills should fans watch to evaluate each position? A: Cornerbacks and wide receivers: 40-yard dash, three-cone, vertical and broad jump. Safeties: 40, three-cone, shuttle and vertical. Linebackers: 40, 3-cone and bench for physicality. Edge defenders: 40, three-cone and broad jump. Tight ends: vertical, broad, three-cone and route-work. Long snappers: consistency and accuracy of snaps under pressure.

Q: Can a poor Combine week sink a player’s draft stock? A: A weak Combine can alter perceptions, especially if it contradicts on-field tape or exposes medical concerns. Teams weigh tape most heavily, but medical issues, poor agility, or unexpectedly slow straight-line speed can lead to slides for prospects whose draft valuations are marginally built on athletic upside.

Q: Will the Combine performances be the final word before the draft? A: Combine results are a major input but not the final word. Teams continue to evaluate prospects through private visits, interviews, OSU Pro Day results, and additional medical reviews. The draft remains a holistic decision.

Q: Where can fans watch the Buckeyes’ interviews and updates? A: Eleven Warriors has announced plans to post full videos of each Buckeye’s interview sessions along with updates and analysis throughout the week.

Q: What do teams look for in long snappers like John Ferlmann? A: Consistency, accuracy, snap speed, spiral quality, and the ability to perform under simulated game pressure. While long snappers are rarely drafted, a clean, dependable performance can lead to priority undrafted free-agent interest and immediate professional opportunities.

Q: How do Pro Days factor into a player’s final evaluation if he performs at the Combine? A: Pro Days offer a second chance to test in familiar surroundings and sometimes against a curated set of players and coaches. Prospects who limit Combine participation often use Pro Day to showcase specific drills. Teams use Pro Days to validate combine numbers or to see technique and skill work not emphasized at Indianapolis.

Q: What is the single biggest factor teams weigh when deciding to pick a Buckeye prospect? A: Tape evaluation combined with medical assurance. Athletic metrics and interviews influence where a player is regarded on draft day, but consistent college performance and health clearance often determine how much a team is willing to invest.

The coming days in Indianapolis will be the first decisive in-person window for Ohio State’s 2025 class. Expect a blend of confirmation for elite prospects and surprising ascents from those who make the most of a national stage.