SEC standouts to watch at the 2025 NFL Combine

By Chris Marler

Starting tomorrow 329 players from around the country are heading to Indianapolis to compete in the 2025 NFL Combine, where they’ll showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and executives. With 105 of those players hailing from the SEC, the conference is once again set to dominate the event. 

Here are five players that will make a major impact.

South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori

Emmanwori is one of the best players in the country and has been for the last several seasons. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he stands as one of the most physically imposing defensive backs in recent memory. He has rare size and outstanding speed. The biggest strength of Emmanwori is not just being an elite athlete but also his versatility. Emmanwori is a sideline-to-sideline defender who can help in run support and match up with lengthy tight ends, as well. 

He’s a first round talent and will be one of the most talked about players of the week in Indianapolis.

South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr.

People have been very late to the party realizing how good a prospect and linebacker Demetrius Knight is. Knight played at Charlotte in 2023 before transferring to South Carolina for the 2024 season. Over those two years, he recorded 178 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and four interceptions. Knight was timed last summer running over 21.5 miles per hour at practice. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds he will turn heads if he runs anything sub 4.5. And, he probably will. 

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe

This will be the most eye roll inducing and scoffed at take, but it’s the one everyone should be most confident in. Jalen Milroe might not be a great passer and he may not be a great decision maker with the football. You know what makes Jalen Milroe absolutely elite? Running fast and being personable. He should perform well in his interviews, but more than anything, he is expected to post an exceptionally fast time in the 40-yard dash. Staffers on Nick Saban’s teams said he was the fastest player on the team. If he runs something below a 4.35, he will be drafted in the first round guaranteed.  

Georgia WR Arian Smith

Arian Smith is such a unique prospect. He’s been in college seemingly forever. He’s a great kid and teammate and has had several big moments for Georgia throughout his career, including the big touchdown against Ohio State in the fourth quarter of the 2022 Peach Bowl. That was a play that showcased what Arian Smith has more of than any other player in this year’s draft – speed. 

Smith is expected to be a legitimate 4.25 guy in the 40-yard dash. His biggest issue has been drops. According to PFF, he had nine total last year, but it felt like several more. He finished the season with just a 66.7% catch rate and a 17.6% drop rate which was one of the highest in the country. 

Here are a few more names to keep an eye on.

Texas WR Matthew Golden 

Auburn LB Eugene Asante 

Ole Miss DL JJ Pegues

Oklahoma DB Billy Bowman Jr.