The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis provided a showcase for some of college football’s top prospects, with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs taking center stage on Saturday. While several high-profile names opted out of workouts, those who participated made the most of their opportunity to impress scouts, coaches, and general managers.
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden stole the show with a blistering 4.29-second 40-yard dash, securing his place among the fastest players at the event. His speed, combined with his production last season—17.0 yards per catch and nine touchdowns—has positioned him as a likely first-round pick. Bleacher Report’s draft board lists him as the No. 3 receiver prospect, and his performance in Indianapolis only reinforced that status.
Tennessee’s Dont’e Thornton Jr. was not far behind, recording an official 4.30-second 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, his combination of size and speed caught the attention of scouts. While he has not yet cracked many top prospect lists, his combine performance could lead to a rise in draft stock.
Several other receivers also posted impressive times, including Chimere Dike (4.34), Jaylin Lane (4.34), and Arian Smith (4.36). These performances emphasized the depth of speed in this year’s wide receiver class.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart made a strong case for being one of the top passers in this year’s draft, registering a top throwing speed of 58 miles per hour. Dart led the nation in yards per pass attempt last season and showcased his accuracy during the on-field throwing session.
While he is currently ranked No. 4 among quarterbacks on Bleacher Report’s draft board, his performance in Indianapolis may have closed the gap between him and the top passers in the class. Comparisons to NFL veteran Carson Wentz continue, as scouts see similarities in arm strength and mobility.
Other quarterbacks also took advantage of their moment, with Missouri’s Brady Cook (4.59), Louisville’s Tyler Shough (4.63), and Memphis’ Seth Henigan (4.76) posting the fastest 40-yard dash times among signal-callers.
Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten stood out among running backs, hitting a top speed of 22.86 miles per hour during his 40-yard dash. His 4.32-second sprint was the fastest among players at his position and solidified his status as one of the most explosive rushers in this year’s class.
Texas running back Jaydon Blue (4.38) and SMU’s Brashard Smith (4.39) also showcased their speed, rounding out the top three times at the position.
Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, who had been expected to test well, was unable to participate in the 40-yard dash due to a hamstring injury. He will look to make his case at his pro day later this month.
With just the offensive linemen remaining in this year’s combine, many players have already made lasting impressions. Speed was the story of the day, with wide receivers and running backs putting their athleticism on full display. Quarterbacks also had their moment, with Jaxson Dart emerging as a player to watch in the upcoming draft.
As the NFL Draft approaches, performances from the combine will play a key role in determining how teams evaluate prospects. Some players solidified their positions, while others gave scouts plenty to consider before finalizing their draft boards.
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