The college football offseason typically revolves around discussions on transfer portal regulations and playoff expansion. However, Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom has a different perspective. His focus is on enhancing the preparation period for players who participate in the NFL Scouting Combine after an intense championship run. The recent national title game participants from Ohio State and Notre Dame have expressed concerns about the tight schedule between the end of the season and the combine events. Many players are opting out of certain drills to prioritize their recovery and readiness for future evaluations.

Champion Players Prioritize Recovery Over Immediate Testing

Several athletes from Ohio State, fresh off their national championship victory, are taking a strategic approach to their participation in the NFL Scouting Combine. They aim to balance the demands of post-season celebrations with the rigorous requirements of professional scouting events. With only 38 days between their last game and the combine, many Buckeyes have chosen to skip the initial measurement drills but plan to engage in positional exercises later.

Defensive end Jack Sawyer explained that the late conclusion of the season leaves little time for proper preparation. "We just finished playing such an important game, and rushing into physical tests could compromise our performance," he noted. This cautious stance reflects the players' commitment to ensuring they present their best selves during crucial evaluation periods. Many Ohio State athletes will participate in the school's pro day on March 26, providing them with additional time to prepare thoroughly.

Notre Dame Players Echo Similar Concerns

Players from Notre Dame, who competed against Ohio State in the national championship, share similar sentiments regarding the compressed timeline. Safety Xavier Watts, among others, decided not to participate in the Senior Bowl due to the rapid turnaround from the end of the season. The intensity of recent competitions has left many athletes needing more time to recover and prepare adequately for upcoming events.

Watts highlighted the challenges of balancing extensive gameplay with immediate participation in high-stakes testing scenarios. "The past two years have been incredibly demanding, especially this most recent season," he remarked. This decision underscores the importance players place on maintaining peak physical condition for optimal performance in future assessments. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame athletes are prioritizing long-term health and readiness over immediate participation in combine activities.