INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 Big Ten alumni commanded the spotlight at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, whether it was presumptive No. 1 pick Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza\u2019s poise during interviews, Ohio State linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese\u2019s performances during individual drills or Iowa lineman Gennings Dunker\u2019s red mullet soaking up social media bandwidth.<\/p>\n
The Big Ten\u2019s teams have won three consecutive College Football Playoff championships and, in just the last two years, combined for 22 postseason victories. Like NFL fans wanting to know what\u2019s next in the draft, Big Ten fans have plenty of questions about the future in the wake of so many high-profile departures.<\/p>\n
Throughout the combine, The Athletic and other reporters asked several former Big Ten players about the future NFL prospects still in school and ready to make their mark on college football this fall. Below is a sampling of what the players said, broken down by position group.<\/p>\n
Quarterbacks<\/p>\n
The Big Ten returns the three quarterbacks who earned all-league honors behind Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner. Ohio State\u2019s Julian Sayin was a Heisman finalist and second-team All-Big Ten, while Oregon\u2019s Dante Moore and USC\u2019s Jayden Maiava split third-team honors.<\/p>\n
Sayin, who enters his sophomore season, completed 77 percent of his passes last fall \u2014 just shy of the Football Bowl Subdivision record set by Oregon\u2019s Bo Nix in 2023 \u2014 on his way to 3,610 yards and 32 touchdown passes.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlaying with Julian was a blessing,\u201d Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate said. \u201cThe man\u2019s extremely accurate and extremely smart. He\u2019s able to put the ball where no other quarterback can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moore, who will be a junior, flirted with entering the NFL Draft and likely would have been a top-five selection. He was considered a Heisman frontrunner through the season\u2019s midpoint, and his statistics (3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns) tell only part of the story for Oregon\u2019s CFP semifinal team, guard Emmanuel Pregnon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe really tries to bring everybody together,\u201d Pregnon said. \u201cHe wants everybody to have a voice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Running backs<\/p>\n
Three running backs return after receiving second-team all-Big Ten honors either from coaches or media: Rutgers\u2019 Antwan Raymond (1,241 rushing yards), Ohio State\u2019s Bo Jackson (1,090) and Michigan\u2019s Jordan Marshall (932).<\/p>\n
Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant was bullish on his former teammates Quinton Martin Jr. and especially Cam Wallace, who entered the portal briefly but later withdrew. Wallace has played in only seven games while behind the tandem of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, but Durant is sold on Wallace\u2019s ability.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a guy that\u2019s mentally tough,\u201d Durant said. \u201cHe\u2019s been hit with a lot of adversity throughout his career. He always just kept his head down, kept working. I think with the mindset that he has and how much he works, it\u2019ll be a great year for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe flashed a lot last year, got hurt, but I think this year he\u2019ll turn it on for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a freshman, Indiana\u2019s Khobie Martin rushed for 505 yards and six touchdowns behind Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt expects Martin to flourish in a premier role this fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy guy Khobie Martin,\u201d Sarratt said, \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see him at Indiana this next year. He\u2019s gonna be great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Receivers<\/p>\n
Ohio State\u2019s Jeremiah Smith, a unanimous first-team All-American, has to wait one more season before he can enter the draft, but it\u2019s well-known that he\u2019s the top 2027 prospect at his position.<\/p>\n
In both years, he put up huge numbers alongside future NFL first-round picks: In 2024, it was Emeka Egbuka, now with the Buccaneers, and his 2025 running mate, Tate, is widely expected to go Round 1 this spring. But at 6 feet 3 inches and 223 pounds, Smith attracted more attention from defenses than his older teammates. He was the most difficult matchup in the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe knew what type of player he was going to be,\u201d said Indiana cornerback D\u2019Angelo Ponds, who played high school football with Smith in Miami, Fla. \u201cUsually, guys that big are going to be slower. He\u2019s a guy that\u2019s big and fast and physical. When he\u2019s got those three things, it kind of makes him hard to guard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other decorated returnees include Rutgers\u2019 KJ Duff (second team) and Northwestern\u2019s Griffin Wilde (third team). No All-Big Ten tight ends return, although Iowa\u2019s D.J. Vonnahme was a freshman first-team All-American. Oregon tight end and likely first-rounder Kenyon Sadiq vouched for his former teammate Jamari Johnson as a player to watch at his position. Johnson caught 32 passes for 510 yards and three touchdowns while working alongside Sadiq.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just complemented each other really well,\u201d Sadiq said. \u201cWhether it was in pass game or the run game, it was super awesome to get to play with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Offensive line<\/p>\n
It was a modest surprise that Indiana left tackle Carter Smith, a consensus first-team All-American and the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year, returned to school for one more year. Smith highlights the returnees, but several others drew conversation during combine week.<\/p>\n
Iowa won the Joe Moore Award as the nation\u2019s top offensive line, while Oregon and Indiana were finalists. The Hawkeyes and Ducks both have returnees who should join Smith as preseason All-Americans, according to their former teammates.<\/p>\n
Oregon center Iapani \u201cPoncho\u201d Laloulu was a first-team All-American and second-team All-Big Ten last year. Pregnon, who transferred from USC last year, said that when he needed help from Laloulu, \u201cIt was like asking a computer a question.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s very vigilant at the point of attack,\u201d Pregnon said. \u201cHe would always communicate with us. He\u2019s a violent football player, and I feel like he really has all the aspects that make him a great football player.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oregon guard Dave Iuli was a third-team selection, as were Iowa guard Kade Pieper and left tackle Trevor Lauck, both of whom earned compliments from former Iowa center Logan Jones in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Lauck is) just very raw and talented and efficient with his movements,\u201d Jones said. \u201cSometimes he\u2019ll kind of throw in his own little swag in there in the way he plays, but he gets things done. He\u2019s very good in pass pro. He kind of makes the game look simple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pieper might have the most potential among Iowa\u2019s 2025 starting offensive linemen, which is a testament to his growth. Pieper initially committed to North Dakota State to play defensive line, but he flipped to Iowa to play guard. This year, he\u2019s likely to compete for Jones\u2019 former role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe talent is there, and I\u2019m very excited to see whether he\u2019s at center or guard,\u201d Jones said. \u201cWherever (Pieper is) at, he\u2019s gonna be very successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ohio State brings back four offensive linemen who earned either second- or third-team All-Big Ten honors in center Carson Hinzman, guard Luke Montgomery and tackles Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels.<\/p>\n
Defensive line<\/p>\n
Another year, another group of high-level Ohio State defensive linemen in the draft. Unlike last year, when all four starters were picked, this year the Buckeyes only sent two D-line starters to the combine. Both were high on defensive end Kenyatta Jackson.<\/p>\n
Former Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald tapped Jackson and defensive end Eddrick Houston for possible breakout seasons. Jackson, who had 6.5 sacks, could have become a draft pick this spring but instead chose to return.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe definitely sacrificed for himself and did the betterment of what he needed to do to stay at Ohio State,\u201d former Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry said. \u201cI believe that\u2019s going to benefit him more than we know. Kenyatta\u2019s been one of those guys who has always had it, and he\u2019ll definitely show it off next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cKenyatta is the type of guy that really owns the offensive line. He just plays at such a high level. He\u2019s definitely a pro prospect. He could be standing next to me today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Minnesota defensive end Anthony Smith, who was a first-team All-Big Ten selection, surprised some by announcing his return following the Gophers\u2019 bowl appearance. Smith led the Big Ten with 12.5 sacks and was second with 17.5 tackles for loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnthony\u2019s a great player,\u201d Minnesota defensive tackle Deven Eastern said. \u201cI fully agree with his decision. He\u2019s gonna work another year in college. He\u2019s gonna get bigger, faster and stronger, and that dude\u2019s gonna come out swinging this next season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indiana brings back first-team defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker, while Oregon returns all four starters up front, including three (Bear Alexander, Teitum Tuioti, A\u2019Mauri Washington) that earned either second- or third-team All-Big Ten accolades.<\/p>\n
Linebackers<\/p>\n
The conference is seeing heavy turnover at linebacker, with Reese and Styles projected as possible top-10 selections and heart-and-soul defenders like Indiana\u2019s Aiden Fisher, Oregon\u2019s Bryce Boettcher and Michigan\u2019s Jimmy Rolder entering the draft.<\/p>\n
Fisher is confident that second-team All-Big Ten linebacker Rolijah Hardy and third-team selection Isaiah Jones will maintain the Hoosiers\u2019 elite defense. Hardy led Indiana with 102 tackles, while Jones (78 tackles) scored on a blocked punt in the CFP title game.<\/p>\n
\u201c(They\u2019re) two phenomenal football players that are going to take a huge step, and they\u2019re going to be really good football players; they already are,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cSo, I\u2019m expecting huge stuff from them when the draft rolls around.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michigan has some questions with former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham replacing Sherrone Moore, but Rolder likes a few of his younger holdovers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know we got some transfers, but I think if Troy Bowles gets the playing time, I think he could be here next year,\u201d Rolder said. \u201cThere\u2019s some great young guys. Troy could be the guy, Chase Taylor, I love those guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boettcher led the Big Ten with 136 tackles and leaves a void, but said, \u201cYou\u2019ve got two good ones out there with Devon Jackson and Jerry Mixon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s a pretty open room right now,\u201d Boettcher said. \u201cI\u2019m not going to give one guy the credit, because I know they\u2019re always competing out there. And when I was there every year, even if I was a starter, there were young guys that are pushing me to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Iowa\u2019s run of first-team All-American middle linebackers ended last year, but Karson Sharar said there are some candidates capable of elevating the unit again.<\/p>\n
\u201cJayden Montgomery did a great job filling in last year,\u201d Sharar said. \u201cI\u2019m really eager to see what they can do this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wisconsin\u2019s Mason Posa, who recorded 50 tackles over the last five games of the season, was a third-team All-Big Ten selection and a freshman All-American last year.<\/p>\n
Defensive backs<\/p>\n
Every 2025 first-team All-Big Ten defensive back is out of eligibility, but eight different players with either second-team or third-team honors come back. Oregon cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. was a freshman All-American after intercepting three passes, including returning one 35 yards for a touchdown against Indiana.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably a top-10 pick, honestly,\u201d former Oregon cornerback Jadon Canady said. \u201cA kid that works hard, comes in early, stays late, loves football. He doesn\u2019t cheat the game or whatnot. Smart, and likes to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer, who was second-team All-Big Ten, has drawn favorable comparisons to former teammate Cooper DeJean. Lutmer intercepted three passes and returned one for a score while also collecting 71 tackles.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe can do everything,\u201d former Iowa cornerback T.J. Hall said. \u201cHe can line up in the slot, line up at corner, line up at safety. He can cover well. He can hit well, set the edge. There\u2019s really nothing Lut can\u2019t do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ohio State and Iowa perennially lead the Big Ten in all-conference selections at defensive back, and the Buckeyes have decorated returnees in safety Jaylen McClain and cornerback Jermaine Mathews, both of whom were third-team selections last season. McClain finished with 53 tackles and broke up three passes last year alongside two-time first-team All-American safety Caleb Downs.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re gonna see him take a big step this year,\u201d Downs said. \u201cHe had to play around me and defer a lot to me this year, but this next season he\u2019s gonna step out of his shell, be a leader on the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Matthews grew significantly last year with two interceptions, three pass breakups, a sack and 26 tackles.<\/p>\n
\u201cI expect him to have a breakout year,\u201d former Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 Big Ten alumni commanded the spotlight at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, whether it was…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":791466,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[331,7,4728,4725,1286,1868,2549,71,4727,49,48,8243,69,575,2743,4729,4726,666,8242,671,2785],"class_list":{"0":"post-791465","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-football","8":"tag-college-football","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-illinois-fighting-illini","11":"tag-indiana-hoosiers","12":"tag-iowa-hawkeyes","13":"tag-maryland-terrapins","14":"tag-michigan-state-spartans","15":"tag-michigan-wolverines","16":"tag-minnesota-golden-gophers","17":"tag-ncaa","18":"tag-ncaa-football","19":"tag-northwestern-wildcats","20":"tag-ohio-state-buckeyes","21":"tag-oregon-ducks","22":"tag-penn-state-nittany-lions","23":"tag-purdue-boilermakers","24":"tag-rutgers-scarlet-knights","25":"tag-ucla-bruins","26":"tag-usc-trojans","27":"tag-washington-huskies","28":"tag-wisconsin-badgers"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116171129863159517","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=791465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/791465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/791466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=791465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=791465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=791465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}