The Opening Drive 2/13: Combine Invites Go Out, Pro Day is Set, and Notre Dame's Schedule

NFL Draft prep is in full swing, a look at the most polarizing schedule in CFB next year, and Trinidad Chambliss gains tenure.

Feb 13, 2026

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 22: Defensive end Caden Curry #92 of the Ohio State Buckeyes waits to take the field for warmups before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

NFL Draft Prep Is In Full Swing

The NFL Combine will take place in Indianapolis again this year. The combine begins on February 23rd and finishes up on March 2nd. As always, the Buckeyes have a strong representation. With 11 attendees, the Buckeyes have the third most attendees behind only Alabama and Texas A&M. While being invited to the combine does not guarantee being drafted it is a positive sign, as to how NFL execs and team personnel view a player. The biggest omission to me, based solely on how he was viewed last year, is offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa.

Here is the list of Buckeyes who will be partaking in the biggest job interview of their lives.

DE Caden Curry

S Caleb Downs

LB Sonny Styles

DT Kaden McDonald

CB Lorenzo Styles Jr.

LB/Edge Arvell Reese

CB Davison Igbinosun

TE Will Kacmarek

TE Max Clare

RB CJ Donaldson

WR Carnell Tate

Pro Day Is On Deck

Those eleven Buckeyes will get a final chance to show off in front of scouts, at the Woody, on March 25th. They won’t be the only former Buckeyes working out at Woody that day, as other members of this years team will be eligible to partake in the drills.

Ohio State has also allowed players from smaller in-state schools to get looks at pro day. The following players from the 2025 team will also be eligible to partake in pro day:

DT Tywone Malone Jr.

LB Joey Velazquez

CB Diante Griffin

OL Ethan Onianwa

QB Eli Brickhandler

K Jayden Fielding

LS John Ferlmann

I don’t think that the Ohio State record for draft picks (14) is in danger of falling this year, it will be interesting to see if the record for first round selections (5) gets tied.

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Notre Dame’s 2026 Schedule Is What’s Wrong With College Football

We’ve spent a decent amount of time discussing schedules in college football, and how they are evolving given the current landscape of the game. Beginning in 2026, Notre Dame is guaranteed a CFP spot if they finish in the top 12. While Ohio State is playing three of the top five teams in the country, with regards to the betting favorites to win the national title, Notre Dame will be playing a total of four teams that had winning records in 2025.

Those teams are BYU, Miami, Navy, and SMU. Their other eight opponents won a combined 28 Games last season. Obviously, in the new era of college football, teams can turn things around quickly. It’s no wonder that Alabama is rumored to be on the brink of cancelling their series with Ohio State.

Trinidad Chambliss Wins (for now)

On Thursday, judge Robert Whitewell who just so happened to get his law degree from Ole Miss issued an injunction that will pave the way for Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to get his sixth year of eligibility. The NCAA previously denied his request for a sixth year on January 9th, and February 5th.

The season in question is the 2022 season. Chambliss, who redshirted his freshman season at Division-2 Ferris State, is claiming he was dealing with a medical issue that didn’t allow him to play that season. The NCAA rule states that a player has five years to play four seasons. We are seeing the NCAA be somewhat lenient with additional seasons due to medical issues.

The Five Year Clock has been, and continues to be, challenged by multiple players. It will be fun to follow this case to see if one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football gets his chance to come back to win a Heisman.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

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