Former Ohio State transfer bust gets devastating news that puts his NFL career in jeopardy
There's no question that former elite recruits tend to get more opportunities in the NFL than others, even when their collegiate careers don't match expectations. Former Ohio State and Penn State receiver Julian Fleming is the latest example of how much pedigree and physical traits can matter to NFL executives. While Fleming started for various […]
There's no question that former elite recruits tend to get more opportunities in the NFL than others, even when their collegiate careers don't match expectations. Former Ohio State and Penn State receiver Julian Fleming is the latest example of how much pedigree and physical traits can matter to NFL executives.
While Fleming started for various parts of four seasons with the Buckeyes, he was never someone who made his presence consistently felt. He totaled 79 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns over his career before transferring to Penn State.
Fleming was best known for his run blocking and breakout junior season, where he totaled 34 receptions for 533 yards and six scores. But his 2023 campaign was a disappointment, and his 2024 season was disastrous.
Fleming was supposed to give the Nittany Lions' passing game a boost from anemic to respectable, but he barely showed up for the program. He caught only 14 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. It's no wonder he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers signed Fleming after the draft to a UDFA deal, but news broke that Fleming failed his physical and was subsequently released. According to the report, Baltimore, San Francisco, and Washington are still interested in giving Fleming the chance to compete at their respective minicamps.
"Fleming arrived in Green Bay on Thursday, but after the Packers informed him they’d no longer be signing him, he quickly returned home to Elysburg, golfing with some friends at Knoebels’ Three Ponds Golf Course by midday Friday."
He had re-torn his hip, plus was dealing with the aftermath of bulging disks in his back.
We'll see if Fleming can prove to be healthy enough to compete or if injuries will strike the young man's career before it even begins.