Eric Boggs
More than 140 NFL personnel, including six head coaches and five general managers, descended upon the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for a pivotal day of evaluations. With 17 Buckeye draft hopefuls showcasing their skills, Ohio State once again demonstrated why it remains one of the premier pipelines to the professional ranks.
Among those participating were quarterback Will Howard, dynamic running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Representing the offensive line were Donovan Jackson, Seth McLaughlin, Josh Fryar, and Josh Simmons, while tight end Gee Scott Jr. rounded out the offensive unit. Defensively, Ohio State was well represented by edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, linebacker Cody Simon, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, and safety Lathan Ransom. Additionally, former Buckeye running back Miyan Williams, who missed last year’s draft process due to injury, took the field with hopes of reigniting his NFL aspirations.
Egbuka, regarded as one of the most polished receivers in this year’s draft class, made headlines with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. The time, clocked by NFL scouts, confirmed his elite athleticism despite his decision to forgo the sprint at the NFL Scouting Combine. Measuring just under 6-foot-1 and weighing 202 pounds, Egbuka further solidified his status as a potential first-round selection.
The day wasn’t without adversity, as Williams suffered a scare during his 40-yard dash attempt. Roughly 20 yards into his run, he pulled up and reached for his left leg, immediately drawing attention from Ohio State’s medical staff. Head coach Ryan Day was seen offering words of encouragement as Williams was assisted off the field. Fortunately, the setback proved to be minor, as Williams later reassured fans via social media that the issue was merely a cramp and “nothing serious.”
Throughout the day, Buckeye prospects demonstrated the combination of speed, power, and football IQ that has become synonymous with Ohio State football. Defensive end JT Tuimoloau turned heads with a 35.5-inch vertical and a broad jump of 9 feet 11 inches, while cornerback Jordan Hancock impressed with a blazing 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a remarkable 41.5-inch vertical. Linebacker Cody Simon showcased his athleticism with a 4.59-second 40, and safety Lathan Ransom posted an impressive 36.5-inch vertical.
In the trenches, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson displayed his power with 32 bench press reps, and defensive tackle Ty Hamilton proved his strength with 35 reps of his own. Meanwhile, tight end Gee Scott Jr. flashed his versatility, running a 4.60-second 40 and leaping 35 inches in the vertical jump.
With Ohio State’s track record of sending elite talent to the NFL, the Buckeye faithful can expect to hear plenty of Scarlet and Gray names called on draft night. This year’s Pro Day was yet another reminder that Ohio State isn’t just a college football powerhouse—it’s an NFL factory.
