INDIANAPOLIS -- Ohio State has yet to have a defensive player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft during the Ryan Day era. OK, technically speaking, that’s not true.

Five former Rutgers football players will participate in the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The players are linebacker Tyreem Powell, running back Kyle Monangai, offensive lineman Hollin Pierce, cornerback Robert Longerbeam and long snapper Austin Riggs.

Attending the NFL Combine can significantly impact a player’s draft aspirations. While participation in the event does not determine the fate of college football players hoping to be drafted, most draft selections do attend the annual scouting showcase in Indianapolis.