Feb 26, 2025 - Sports

Iowa, Iowa State are well represented at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Everett Cook

Wide receiver Jayden Higgins #9 of the Iowa State Cyclones runs down the field during the second half against defensive back T.J Hall #2 the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium — Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins is expected to be drafted in the first or second round of this year's NFL Draft. Photo: Matthew Holst/Getty Images

The NFL is in its offseason, but the journey to the 2025 NFL Draft begins this week with the combine.

Why it matters: The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, which starts Thursday in Indianapolis, is a chance for athletes to improve (or hurt) their draft stock — and 12 players from Iowa and Iowa State were invited this year.

How it works: 329 college football players will undergo physical and mental evaluations in front of NFL coaches, general managers and scouts.

Zoom in: The state of Iowa will be strongly represented this weekend.

We're still early in the process, but draft analysts generally have Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins, cornerback Darien Porter and Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson as the first local players off the board.
All three are expected to be drafted in the first three rounds.

Other local players invited to the combine include:

Iowa: Luke Lachey (tight end), Connor Colby (offensive line), Yahya Black (defensive line), Jay Higgins (linebacker), Sebastian Castro (defensive back) and Jermari Harris (defensive back).
Iowa State: Jayden Higgins (wide receiver), Jalen Travis (offensive line) and Malik Verdon (defensive back).

Watch: The combine starts Thursday at 2pm CT with defensive linemen and linebackers on NFL Network and continues all weekend.

Go deeper: How to watch the 2025 NFL combine

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Iowa, Iowa State are well represented at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

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