The NFL revealed the list of 329 prospects invited to its annual scouting combine on Thursday, and six Gophers players were included. This is the highest number of prospects Minnesota has had invited since the centralized combine began in 1985, surpassing the previous high of five invitees in 2001 and 2002.
Quarterback Max Brosmer, wide receiver Daniel Jackson, offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery, defensive lineman Jah Joyner, linebacker Cody Lindenberg, and defensive back Justin Walley will represent the Gophers, showcasing their talents at the event.
Minnesota’s six invitees rank fifth in the Big Ten, behind Ohio State (15), Oregon (12), Michigan (8), and Iowa (7).
The combine will take place from February 24 to March 3 in Indianapolis, with TV coverage beginning at 3 p.m. on February 27 on NFL Network. Defensive line and linebacker drills will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium throughout the afternoon and evening.
Ersery, the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, is considered one of the top prospects at his position this year. He spent his entire five-year college career at Minnesota, starting the final 38 games at left tackle. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the seventh-best offensive tackle, while Dane Brugler from The Athletic has him as the No. 50 overall prospect in the draft. Ersery was also featured on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” for 2024, with a noted 412-pound bench press.
Gophers offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. praised Ersery’s ability to lock down the left side of the offensive line.
Lindenberg, another notable Gophers prospect, is ranked highly among linebackers, with Kiper placing him first on his list of top off-ball linebackers. Lindenberg, a native of Anoka, spent five years at Minnesota and led the team with 94 tackles in 2024 after missing most of the previous season due to a hamstring injury. He was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection, while Walley, also invited to the combine, earned second-team honors.
Brosmer, Jackson, and Joyner, although not recognized with first- or second-team Big Ten honors, played key roles in the Gophers’ 8-5 record. Brosmer, a graduate transfer from New Hampshire, set a single-season record for completions at Minnesota (268) and finished with the third-most single-season passing yards (2,828). Jackson was his leading receiver, posting 75 catches for 863 yards and four touchdowns. Joyner led the team with two forced fumbles, nine quarterback hurries, and seven pass breakups.
Over the past five years, the Gophers have had 15 players drafted. Safety Tyler Nubin was the only Gophers player selected in 2024, going No. 47 overall to the Giants. Ersery could become the first Gophers player selected in the first round since wide receiver Rashod Bateman was drafted 27th overall by the Ravens in 2021.
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