Former BYU Football Stars Aim to Boost NFL Draft Stock at Big 12 Pro Day Showcase
Several former BYU football standouts are taking full advantage of the spotlight as they participate in the Big 12 Pro Day Showcase, hoping to impress NFL scouts and improve their draft stock ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With BYU now competing in the Big 12, their athletes have a larger stage to display their skills against some of the best talent in college football.
This showcase, held at a centralized location for all Big 12 schools, allows NFL personnel to evaluate prospects in one place. It’s an opportunity for players to demonstrate their speed, strength, agility, and football IQ through a series of drills and interviews. For BYU players, this event comes at a crucial time, as many are looking to prove they can transition from collegiate success to the professional level.
Among the standout participants is wide receiver Kody Epps, who has drawn attention for his precise route-running and reliable hands. After an injury-shortened college career, Epps is hoping to show that he’s fully healthy and capable of making plays at the next level. Scouts will be closely watching his 40-yard dash and agility drills to assess his explosiveness and recovery.
Linebacker Max Tooley is another player attracting interest. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and football instincts, Tooley had a productive college career and is looking to solidify his reputation as a draft-worthy defender. His performance in position-specific drills and interviews could help him climb draft boards.
Offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia is perhaps the most high-profile BYU prospect in this year’s draft class. Measuring in with elite size and strength, Suamataia is already on many scouts’ radars as a potential early-round selection. His performance in pass-blocking and footwork drills will be critical in confirming his status as a top-tier lineman.
The Pro Day setting offers more than just physical evaluations. NFL teams also take the opportunity to interview players and evaluate their mental readiness, understanding of the game, and character. This is a chance for BYU players to show maturity, leadership, and a team-first mentality—qualities that franchises highly value.
The stakes are high, but so is the opportunity. For players on the bubble, a strong showing could mean the difference between being drafted or going undrafted. Even for those not projected in the early rounds, Pro Day can lead to invitations to team workouts or rookie minicamps.
BYU’s participation in the Big 12 has helped raise the program’s visibility, and that benefits its athletes. With national exposure and access to higher competition levels, former Cougars are now better positioned to gain attention from NFL franchises. The Big 12 Pro Day Showcase is a pivotal platform to prove their potential on and off the field.
As the NFL Draft approaches, these former Cougars are doing everything they can to stand out. Their performances at the showcase could play a significant role in determining where—and if—they hear their name called on draft weekend.
