The University of Cincinnati's football program is set to shine as three standout Bearcats—Corey Kiner, Luke Kandra, and John Williams—are invited to the prestigious 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. This event marks a significant milestone for these athletes, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and potentially launch their professional careers. The combine will take place in Indianapolis from Thursday, February 29, through Monday, March 3, with live coverage on NFL Network and NFL+.

Unleashing Potential: Bearcats Ready to Conquer the NFL Stage

Kiner’s Consistent Dominance on the Field

Corey Kiner has been a cornerstone of the Bearcats' offense, consistently delivering impressive performances. His recent collegiate career culminated in two consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, with his latest tally of 1,153 yards elevating his career total to an impressive 2,562 yards. This achievement places him eighth all-time in UC's history for career rushing yards. Notably, Kiner achieved six 100-yard rushing games in 2024, bringing his total to 13—a remarkable feat that ranks fifth in school history. Kiner's ability to break through defenses and maintain peak performance under pressure makes him a formidable prospect for NFL scouts.Moreover, Kiner's journey from high school standout to college sensation has been nothing short of inspiring. As a former Ohio Mr. Football winner, he brought his exceptional talent and work ethic to UC, where he continued to refine his skills. Scouts will be keenly observing how Kiner translates his college success into the rigorous environment of the NFL. His speed, agility, and endurance are expected to impress evaluators at the combine, further solidifying his potential as a future NFL star.

Kandra’s Mastery on the Offensive Line

Luke Kandra's impact on the offensive line has been pivotal for the Bearcats. In 2024, he earned accolades as the Big 12's highest-rated right guard by Pro Football Focus for the second consecutive year. Kandra's leadership and technical prowess have been instrumental in propelling UC's offense to rank sixth in the league with an average of 420.6 yards per game. A Cincinnati native and Elder High School graduate, Kandra transferred to UC from Louisville in 2023 and quickly established himself as a linchpin of the team.Kandra's consistency and reliability have been evident throughout his tenure at UC. He started 24 straight games without giving up a single sack, consistently grading out as the Bearcats' top offensive lineman. His pre-season All-Big 12 selection and honors such as Walter Camp Second Team and Associated Press Third Team All-America in 2023 underscore his exceptional talent. Additionally, Kandra played a crucial role in recruiting fellow Elder High School alumnus Joe Royer to transfer from Ohio State to UC, showcasing his influence both on and off the field. At the combine, Kandra's strength, technique, and intelligence will be put to the test, providing scouts with a comprehensive view of his capabilities.

Williams’ Unwavering Dedication and Engineering Expertise

John Williams has been a stalwart presence on the Bearcats' offensive line, playing in 52 games and starting every contest over the past two seasons. His contributions were particularly notable in 2023 when UC ranked fifth nationally in rushing with an average of 217.1 yards per game. Williams' role as left tackle was critical in paving the way for Kiner's back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Beyond his athletic achievements, Williams pursued an aerospace engineering degree at UC, balancing academic rigor with athletic excellence.Williams' dedication to both academics and athletics exemplifies the well-rounded nature of modern student-athletes. His ability to excel in the classroom while maintaining peak physical condition sets him apart from many peers. At the combine, Williams will demonstrate his athleticism, intelligence, and resilience. Scouts will be particularly interested in his pass protection skills and overall versatility, which have been hallmarks of his collegiate career. With a strong showing at the combine, Williams could position himself as a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to bolster its offensive line.

Bearcats’ Legacy in the NFL Draft

The University of Cincinnati has a rich tradition of producing NFL-caliber players, with 129 Bearcats selected in the draft since its inception. This streak includes at least one pick in each of the last nine drafts, most recently with defensive lineman Jowon Briggs as a seventh-round selection by the Cleveland Browns. The Class of 2022 stands out as one of the most illustrious, with nine players drafted, including Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, who was chosen fourth overall.Looking ahead, the 2025 NFL Draft will be held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24 to 26. The prospects of Kiner, Kandra, and Williams continuing this legacy are promising. Their performances at the combine will be closely watched by teams eager to add talented and versatile players to their rosters. As the Bearcats prepare for this next chapter, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment in their careers.