Ohio State Star Duo Plant Their Flag on Social Media After Dominant NFL Combine Showing

The NFL Scouting Combine is the most crucial step for many aspiring football players looking to take the leap from college to professional football. Every year, prospects from across the nation travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to showcase their skills, athleticism, and knowledge of the game in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. Among the athletes who stood out during the 2025 NFL Combine, two Ohio State Buckeyes—wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau—cemented their status as top-tier NFL prospects, using social media to plant their flags as future stars of the league.

Both Harrison and Tuimoloau had entered the Combine with already impressive resumes and considerable buzz surrounding them. Harrison, the son of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, has been a standout for Ohio State for the past two seasons. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability had many calling him one of the best wide receivers in college football. Tuimoloau, on the other hand, was a dominant force on the defensive line, showcasing a versatile skill set that made him one of the top defensive prospects. Together, they formed a duo that drew attention not only for their on-field performances but also for their ability to leverage social media to amplify their individual brands.

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Dominant NFL Combine Performance

Marvin Harrison Jr. entered the NFL Combine with immense expectations. As one of the top wide receiver prospects, his performance was under the microscope of every NFL scout and analyst. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Harrison possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a nightmare for defenders. His tape from Ohio State showcased his precise route running, ability to make spectacular catches, and elite ball skills.

During his time at the Combine, Harrison checked all the boxes. He posted an official 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds, a blistering mark that solidified his place among the fastest wide receivers in the draft class. His vertical leap of 40.5 inches demonstrated his impressive leaping ability, a crucial skill for winning contested catches and making plays in the red zone. Additionally, his 3-cone drill time of 6.78 seconds showed his elite ability to change direction at high speeds, an essential trait for a wide receiver who relies on separation to get open.

However, it wasn’t just his physical attributes that impressed scouts; it was the way he carried himself during the Combine. Harrison was calm, confident, and laser-focused throughout every drill. His leadership and maturity were evident, especially when he was asked about his preparation for the event and his goals for the future. Despite all the hype surrounding him, Harrison remained grounded, showing respect for the process while expressing his desire to be the best.

 

As soon as Harrison completed his Combine performance, the social media world lit up. Fans, analysts, and former players took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to praise his exceptional display of athleticism. The hashtag #MarvinHarrisonJr became a trending topic on Twitter, with fans already imagining what he would look like in an NFL uniform. On Instagram, Harrison shared a post that encapsulated his mentality: a photo of him performing a drill with the caption “Mission: Accomplished.” This simple, yet powerful post, solidified his status as one of the Combine’s standout performers.

Harrison’s performance at the Combine not only boosted his draft stock but also cemented his brand as one of the most marketable players in the class. His connection to his Hall of Fame father, Marvin Harrison Sr., helped elevate his profile, but it was his own accomplishments that made him stand out. In an age where personal branding and social media presence are essential for athletes, Harrison is poised to take full advantage of his exposure.

J.T. Tuimoloau’s Unstoppable NFL Combine Showing

While Harrison garnered much of the attention as one of the top offensive prospects, defensive standout J.T. Tuimoloau was equally impressive at the Combine. Tuimoloau, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 270 pounds, already had a reputation as a ferocious edge rusher for Ohio State. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Tuimoloau had long been regarded as one of the top defensive prospects, and his Combine showing only reaffirmed his status.

Tuimoloau’s physicality was on full display, particularly in his 40-yard dash, where he posted a 4.71-second time. While it wasn’t the fastest among defensive linemen, it was more than respectable for a player of his size. Tuimoloau’s 20-yard shuttle time of 4.39 seconds, however, was one of the best among edge rushers, showcasing his lateral quickness and ability to change direction without losing speed—an invaluable trait for a pass rusher.

What truly set Tuimoloau apart at the Combine, however, was his performance in the on-field drills. He displayed exceptional hand placement, burst off the line of scrimmage, and relentless motor, which made him nearly impossible to block. His pass-rushing technique was refined, and he displayed impressive versatility by showcasing the ability to rush from both the edge and the interior. These qualities made it clear that Tuimoloau is not just a defensive lineman, but a playmaker who can impact games in multiple ways.

As the Combine came to a close, Tuimoloau also turned to social media to showcase his dominance. On Twitter, he posted a video clip of his Combine drills with the caption, “The grind never stops,” signaling his commitment to continuous improvement. The post received significant engagement, as fans and analysts began to see Tuimoloau as a future franchise-changing defensive player.

On Instagram, Tuimoloau posted a picture of himself in action with the hashtag #Unstoppable, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of greatness. It was a direct message to the league that he is not just a player to watch, but someone who will leave a lasting impact.

Planting Their Flag

Both Harrison and Tuimoloau took advantage of their performances at the NFL Combine to build their brands in the modern world of social media. In the age of instant communication and digital presence, athletes are no longer limited to just their performances on the field. The social media platforms provide an outlet for players to control their narratives, connect with fans, and build hype around their future careers.

Harrison’s post, showcasing his confidence and satisfaction with his performance, gave a glimpse into his calm and collected demeanor. Tuimoloau, on the other hand, used his posts to emphasize his relentless work ethic and determination to become the best. Both players knew that the Combine was not just a showcase for their athleticism but also an opportunity to create an identity that would carry them into the NFL and beyond.

As the NFL Draft approaches, Harrison and Tuimoloau are not just athletes in the traditional sense; they are brands in the making. Their social media presences will play a key role in their careers moving forward, whether through sponsorships, partnerships, or simply maintaining a connection with their fanbases.

The Future of Ohio State’s Star Duo

Looking ahead, both Marvin Harrison Jr. and J.T. Tuimoloau are poised for successful NFL careers. Harrison is a likely top-five pick in the draft, with many believing he has the potential to become a game-changing wide receiver in the league. His combination of size, speed, and route running is rare, and his ability to adjust to the NFL will be a focal point of his development. Tuimoloau, likewise, is expected to be a top-tier pick, with his ability to rush the passer and play in multiple positions making him an incredibly versatile weapon for any NFL defense.

Both players have already proven themselves on the biggest stages in college football, and their performances at the Combine have only confirmed their readiness for the next level. What sets them apart, however, is their understanding of the modern athlete’s role as both a football player and a brand ambassador. Their ability to leverage social media to amplify their accomplishments will help them build a following and lay the foundation for endorsement deals, partnerships, and media opportunities once they enter the league.

As they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. and J.T. Tuimoloau have already established themselves as stars—both on and off the field. They have planted their flags on social media, ensuring that their legacies are not just defined by their performances but by their ability to adapt to the changing landscape of modern sports. In doing so, they have set the stage for a new era of athletes who are not only defined by their play on the field but also by their ability to connect with fans and shape their futures in the digital age.

The NFL Combine may have been just one chapter in their journeys, but it was a significant one, proving that these Ohio State stars are ready to take their talents—and their personal brands—into the NFL spotlight.