Top 2025 NFL Combine Participants Who Could be Future UFL Stars
Image via X @Delaware_FB
The NFL Combine is rolling on in Indianapolis with some prospects for the UFL to watch out for in the upcoming years.
There are 329 players who were invited to make the trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to showcase their skills in front of NFL teams. Less than 2% of players coming out of college make the NFL which is plenty of talent will be available for the UFL to go after.
Here are some of the top players invited to the NFL Combine who could land in the UFL in the next few years if they don’t make the NFL.
QB Graham Mertz (Florida)
Mertz is a late-round projected pick who has played big-time college ball at Wisconsin and Florida. 2023 was Mertz’s best season as he had career-highs in passing yards (2,903), passing touchdowns (20), and completion percentage (72%). While there have been questions about inconsistency with field vision, his ability to throw on the run is a beneficial trait for a quarterback in the UFL.
RB Marcus Yarns (Delaware)
Yarns would become every UFL quarterback’s best friend as he possesses skill sets that will make him dangerous in the professionals. He has rushed and caught for 2,392 total yards and 29 touchdowns in the last two seasons at Delaware. He needs to make some improvements in pass protection and won’t be able to get the tough yards, but his speed and hands would make him one of the most dynamic backs in the UFL.
WR Nick Nash (San Jose State)
The former quarterback found his true calling as a wide receiver during an explosive season for San Jose State in 2024. Nash caught 104 passes for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s considered a developmental player as he is still working through the techniques of being a wide receiver but shows excellent potential to be a star player in the UFL.
OG Clay Webb (Jacksonville State)
Since transferring from Georgia to Jacksonville State, Webb was one of the best offensive guards in FCS and FBS when the school transitioned. Webb helped the Gamecocks become a top five rushing attack in the country and was named to College Football Network’s First-Team All-American list. He’s considered a bit undersized for his position, but he’s a bully up front and could be a much-sought after prospect for the UFL.
DL Tim Smith (Alabama)
Smith enters professional football after gradually improving his time on the field with the Crimson Tide. Last season, he had career-highs in tackles (35) and sacks (two). Smith isn’t much of a pass rusher, but dominate against the run which is a plus in the UFL that is finding better talent at running back.
LB Jackson Woodard (UNLV)
UNLV’s defense has performed well because of what Woodard has done against the run and pass. Woodard has produced over 100 tackles in each of the last two seasons as he added 12 pass deflections, four interceptions and 3.5 sacks in 2024. While considered undersized at linebacker, Woodard is a playmaker who is strong against the run.
DB Zah Frazier (UTSA)
Frazier hasn’t had as much experience on the field in a starting role, but he made the most of his opportunity with the Roadrunners last season. He racked up 20 tackles, nine pass deflections, six interceptions and one forced fumble. His tackling has been inconsistent, but he has a nose for the football and tracking it through the air so with the proper development, he’s a sure-fire starter in the UFL.
K Ben Sauls (Pittsburgh)
With the limited amount of spots for kickers in the NFL, there’s bound to be some great talent that slips through the cracks and the UFL has been able to identify some of the NFL’s best kickers including Brandon Aubrey and Jake Bates. Last season was Sauls’ best performance as he made over 87% of his field goals including a 58-yarder and made all 44 of his extra points. He hasn’t had the experience with making a ton of game-winning kicks, Sauls looks the part of a successful UFL kicker if he can’t find a spot in the NFL.
