The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is set for February 27 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Last year’s combine delivered unforgettable moments—Xavier Worthy’s blazing 4.21 40-yard dash and Rome Odunze’s relentless effort to perfect his three-cone drill, refusing to leave the turf until he got it right. But before anyone can emulate a Mike Mamula-style Combine rise, they first need an invitation. Below, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the Combine, along with a running list of Colorado Buffaloes who have secured—or are likely to secure—an invite to this year’s “Underwear Olympics.”
How it works
The Combine Selection Committee (CSC), comprised of representatives from NFL teams and private scouting organizations, invites roughly 300 draft hopefuls each year. Their decisions are informed by input from private scouting groups like BLESTO (originally the “Bears, Lions, Eagles, and Steelers Talent Organization,” now serving 7–8 NFL teams) and recommendations from NFL franchises. Notably, the Combine’s participant list isn’t influenced by media analysts like Mel Kiper or Todd McShay—a fact immortalized by former Colts GM Bill Tobin’s famous quip: “Who the hell is Mel Kiper anyway?”
Below is a running list of confirmed and potential CU participants. Updates will follow as invitations are finalized.
See You in Indy
- Travis Hunter (DB/WR): The Heisman Trophy winner and consensus top-5 pick is a lock for an invitation. The bigger question is whether Hunter will participate. Like Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, Hunter has little to gain by performing beyond interviews.
- Shedeur Sanders (QB): Sanders will almost certainly receive an invitation and may be a limited participant. However, he has plenty to gain by interviewing well, addressing concerns about coachability, and demonstrating that the 42 sacks he took were due to a porous offensive line—not slow processing. If he participates in throwing drills (unlikely), he could showcase his underrated arm strength. Sanders will also play in the East-West Shrine Bowl on January 30.
- BJ Green II (DL): The ASU transfer was a force for the Buffs in 2024, recording 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Green impressed scouts at the Hula Bowl on January 11, where all 32 NFL teams were represented.
- Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (S): Nicknamed “The Shark,” Silmon-Craig racked up 94 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3 PBUs, 1 INT, and 1 TD in 2024. Across his career at Jackson State and Colorado, he amassed more than 250 career tackles. He’ll also participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
- LaJohntay Wester (WR): The FAU transfer and Shedeur Sanders’ go-to target delivered 74 receptions for 931 yards in 2024. Over his career, Wester amassed 320+ receptions. Despite his productivity, he has yet to confirm his Combine invite, prompting Coach Prime to tweet about the snub. Wester will play in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
- Jimmy Horn Jr. (WR): Horn has confirmed his Combine invitation. Before an injury in Week 11, he logged 33 receptions for 434 yards, including a near-200-yard explosion against FCS champion North Dakota State in Week 1. Horn’s speed makes him a player to watch in the 40-yard dash.
Pack Your Bags and Wait
- Mark Vassett (P): The Aussie punter averaged 44 yards per punt during his CU career. While the Combine rarely invites more than 3–5 specialists, Vassett’s chances aren’t out of the question.
- Will Sheppard (WR): The Vanderbilt transfer had a breakout year with 48 catches for 621 yards. His size and reliable hands (despite one notable drop against Baylor) will intrigue scouts.
- Shilo Sanders (S): The hard-hitting safety recorded nearly 140 career tackles across stints at Colorado, South Carolina, and Jackson State. His game-changing pick-six against Colorado State in 2023 was a highlight. Shilo will join his brother Shedeur at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
- Chidozie Nwankwo (DT): The Houston transfer closed the season strong, with 31 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble—including a standout Alamo Bowl performance (7 tackles, 1 sack). Nwankwo also turned heads at Hula Bowl practices.
Others to Watch
DT Shane Cokes and LB Lavonta Bentley participated in the Hula Bowl and may have benefited their cause. Interesting, OG Justin Mayers was said to have turned heads in Honolulu and may gain some consideration.