“Shocking Twist: Ohio State Pro Day Takes a Dark Turn as Star Player Injured in High-Stakes 40-Yard Dash!”

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams—a standout defensive tackle who played a vital role in his team’s national championship run. However, an unsettling moment unfolded during the Buckeyes’ Pro Day when Williams lost his footing while clocking his 40-yard dash, casting a shadow of concern over his impending professional journey. With whispers of a potential top-50 pick on the horizon, every second counts for Williams, not just in terms of timing but also in navigating the physical demands that come with the transition to the NFL. As scouts and executives looked on, minds raced—how might this tumble affect a player poised for greatness? Let’s delve into the implications of this incident and what it means for Williams’ bright future in football. LEARN MORE.

An Ohio State NFL Draft hopeful went down while running the 40-yard dash at the program’s Pro Day Thursday.

Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was a key contributor for the Buckeyes’ national championship team in 2024, registering 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He’s also regarded as a potential top-50 pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Williams is one of many Ohio State pro prospects working out in front of scouts and executives in Columbus on Wednesday.

While attempting his second go at the 40, the 6-foot-3, 334-pounder lost his footing and took a tumble. 

In the aftermath, it appeared Williams was grabbing some at his left leg. The Manassas, Va. native was eventually helped off to the side.

Tyleik Williams went down on his 40 attempt. pic.twitter.com/EaWIoXA74E

— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) March 26, 2025

While we wait for more word on Williams’ injury, let’s hope it is nothing serious.

It would be awful for a player with a bright future to have it dampened right before his pro career was set to begin.

Williams, who logged 100 total tackles for the Buckeyes over the last two seasons, finished his career at OSU with 137 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

In his NFL.com draft profile on Williams, analyst Lance Zierlein says the interior defender will eventually become a “plus starter” at the next level. 

Drain-clogging run defender with violent first contact and nimble feet for impressive tackle production. Williams flashes an ability to play through or around the block. He physically dominates man-on-man matchups but inconsistent pad level and shorter arms hinder his double-team take-ons. He needs to focus on developing his hands to keep longer NFL guards from getting into him and neutralizing his power. Williams should pressure the pocket from time to time but might not win on his own enough to see many third-down reps. The knock-back pop and ability to eat up runners in his general vicinity could help him become an impactful, run-stuffing three-technique.

Hopefully, today’s little spill during the 40 looked worse than it actually was. 

We’ll keep you posted on if OSU head coach Ryan Day has an update on Williams’ condition.

Related: Ryan Day Gets Very Honest About Ohio State’s White House Visit