Jamil Ferrer | Feb 27, 2026

University of Indiana Cornerback and 2026 National Champion D’Angelo Ponds put his name in the record books Friday evening, recording a 43.5” vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The combine is taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium. It runs from February 26 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. 

 That’s where D’Angelo Pond’s on-field testing and drills took place, including other defensive backs doing their workouts.  

Ponds, who plans on entering the 2026 NFL Draft, now has the 4th best cornerback number in combine history.

Passing notable names such as Jalen Ramsey who had a 41.5″ in the 2016 Combine,
Marshon Lattimore who had a 38.5″ vertical in the 2018 combine, and Denzel Ward who had a 39.0” Vertical in the 2018 Combine.

The South Florida native put on a stellar performance by clearing 43.5″. Ponds leap-frogged every other cornerback whose vertical jump at the Combine was below that mark.

Analysts have compared him to smaller but impactful NFL corners like DJ Reed— players who overcame height concerns with competitiveness and technical coverage strength. 

Ponds has drawn lots of draft buzz because he plays bigger than his measurements suggest — combining instincts, physicality, and competitive toughness

The performance from the College Football National Champion made fans and draft followers praise his competitiveness, athleticism, and potential for the next level.