Ohio State University has long been one of the premier football programs in the nation, consistently churning out top-tier talent for the NFL Draft. The Buckeyes’ football program has seen players rise to stardom in both college and the professional ranks, with a long tradition of producing elite athletes. While much of the spotlight is on the regular season and bowl games, one of the most important events in the lead-up to the NFL Draft is Ohio State’s Pro Day. For many players, Pro Day represents a final chance to showcase their athleticism, work ethic, and skills in front of scouts, coaches, and NFL executives.
Pro Day is particularly critical for players who may not have had the opportunity to compete at the NFL Scouting Combine or those looking to improve upon their initial performances. This event can be a game-changer, with several players seeing their draft stock rise based on their performances. In the case of Ohio State, Pro Day is an opportunity to stand out among a talented roster and demonstrate to NFL scouts why they should be selected in the upcoming draft.
For five notable Ohio State football players, Pro Day was a defining moment in their careers, as they elevated their draft stock significantly. In this article, we’ll take a look at these five players and how their performances on Pro Day helped improve their NFL Draft status.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, one of the most highly touted wide receiver prospects from Ohio State, entered the 2025 NFL Draft process as a player who was expected to be selected in the first round. Despite being plagued by injury in his final season with the Buckeyes, Smith-Njigba’s impressive track record in 2021, where he set records in the Rose Bowl, made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. However, there were concerns about his durability and his ability to perform at the next level after missing much of his final season.
Smith-Njigba’s Pro Day was a critical opportunity to ease those concerns and show NFL teams that he was fully recovered and ready to contribute at the highest level. He performed exceptionally well in a series of drills that highlighted his elite route-running ability, smooth hands, and quickness off the line of scrimmage.
One of the most impressive aspects of his Pro Day was his 40-yard dash time, which came in at 4.43 seconds. While it wasn’t the fastest time among wide receivers in the draft class, it was still impressive given the context, as Smith-Njigba is known more for his precise route-running and separation ability than pure speed. His performance in drills, such as the three-cone drill and shuttle drills, reinforced his status as one of the most polished and well-rounded wide receivers in the draft class.
Additionally, his catching ability during the route-running portion of the workout was flawless. Smith-Njigba’s ability to track the ball and make hands catches in tight coverage further demonstrated why he is a first-round talent. With an impressive showing on Pro Day, he solidified his place as one of the top receivers available and was likely to be selected early in the first round of the draft.
2. C.J. Stroud – Quarterback
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State’s former quarterback, entered the 2025 NFL Draft process as one of the most talked-about quarterback prospects. After a standout career with the Buckeyes, Stroud was viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class, with many projecting him to be a top-five pick. However, his Pro Day performance was an important opportunity for him to prove that he could be the face of a franchise at the next level and alleviate some lingering questions about his ability to consistently perform under pressure.
Stroud’s Pro Day was highly anticipated, and he didn’t disappoint. His performance was a perfect showcase of his strengths as a quarterback: his incredible arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. Stroud’s ability to throw with velocity and precision on deep balls impressed scouts, who were looking for his ability to make all the necessary throws at the next level.
What stood out most at his Pro Day, though, was his ability to move and throw on the run. One of the criticisms Stroud had faced coming into the draft process was his perceived lack of mobility. However, during Pro Day, he demonstrated the ability to extend plays with his legs while still maintaining accuracy on off-platform throws. Stroud’s quick decision-making, combined with his impressive arm strength, solidified his status as one of the top quarterback prospects and left little doubt about his ability to thrive in the NFL.
His performance on Pro Day was the final piece of the puzzle for scouts who were already intrigued by his skill set, and many analysts were now confident that Stroud would be selected within the first two picks of the draft. His Pro Day cemented his status as one of the premier quarterback prospects in the class.
3. Zach Harrison – Edge Rusher
Zach Harrison, a former five-star recruit, was a highly regarded edge rusher for the Ohio State Buckeyes during his time in Columbus. Harrison had an up-and-down college career, where he showed flashes of greatness but often struggled to consistently produce at an elite level. By the time the NFL Draft process rolled around, Harrison’s stock had fluctuated, with some analysts projecting him to be a late first-round pick while others had him as a second-day pick.
Harrison’s Pro Day was a critical opportunity for him to prove that he could be a dynamic, game-changing pass rusher at the next level. His workout was nothing short of spectacular. Harrison turned heads with his impressive physical attributes, including his 6-foot-6, 270-pound frame and a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash, which would have been considered exceptional even for a linebacker, let alone a player of his size. His speed and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage were particularly evident during position drills, where he displayed impressive burst and agility.
In addition to his athleticism, Harrison’s ability to show a variety of pass-rush moves during the workout impressed scouts. His ability to disengage from blockers and get to the quarterback was one of the key takeaways from his Pro Day performance. His rare combination of size, speed, and technique made him one of the most intriguing edge rusher prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his performance on Pro Day helped push him into the first-round conversation.
4. Paris Johnson Jr. – Offensive Tackle
Paris Johnson Jr. was widely considered one of the top offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft, with many analysts projecting him as a potential top-10 pick. His performance at Ohio State was consistently strong, and he was seen as a key piece of the Buckeyes’ offensive line. Johnson was already in a good position entering the draft process, but his Pro Day gave him one last chance to solidify his place as one of the premier tackles in the class.
Johnson’s Pro Day was a showcase of his impressive athleticism and technical skill. He measured in at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds with an outstanding wingspan, which made him a physical presence in drills. His quickness and agility in the drills stood out, and scouts were impressed by his ability to slide in pass protection and generate movement in the running game. Johnson’s ability to mirror pass rushers, especially during one-on-one drills, demonstrated his refined technique and positioning, which made him a highly coveted prospect among NFL teams.
Most importantly, Johnson demonstrated that he had the versatility to play on either side of the offensive line. This positional flexibility only enhanced his value and increased his appeal to NFL teams, many of whom are looking for linemen capable of playing multiple positions. After his Pro Day performance, Johnson cemented his status as one of the top offensive tackles available and a lock for the first round.
5. Trey Sermon – Running Back
Trey Sermon had a somewhat tumultuous career at Ohio State but was still considered a talented running back with tremendous potential. His 2020 season was notable for his breakout performances in the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff, but he struggled to maintain that level of consistency during his final season. With some questions about his burst and ability to excel at the next level, Sermon’s Pro Day became an opportunity to dispel doubts about his skills.
Sermon’s performance at Pro Day was impressive, particularly in his 40-yard dash time, where he clocked in at 4.45 seconds. While it wasn’t the fastest time of the day, it was more than enough to show his speed and agility. Sermon’s ability to make quick cuts in position drills, combined with his solid hands as a pass catcher, further boosted his stock. He also demonstrated his ability to break tackles and fight for extra yardage, a skill that is often underappreciated in today’s NFL running back market.
His Pro Day performance showed scouts that he had the tools necessary to contribute to a team immediately, particularly in a committee backfield. Sermon’s stock rose as a result, and while he wasn’t considered a first-round prospect, his impressive workout likely ensured that he would be selected somewhere in the middle rounds.