Kenyon Sadiq Outperforms NFL Star in Combine Bench Press

Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq stole the show at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine before even completing the bench press.

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New Orleans Saints scout Josh Hill (left) talks with Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (TE23) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq has been stealing the show at the 2026 NFL Combine. Sadiq has put his combination of speed and strength on full display. 

Kenyon Sadiq's Bench Press Display at NFL Combine

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (TE23) participates in the bench press drill as Minnesota Vikings assistant performance coach Marquis Johnson spots during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

One of the combine drills is bench press. Sadiq had 26 reps of 225 pounds. This outdid San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams when he was at the 2010 NFL Combine and finished with 26 reps of 225 pounds. Williams ended up being selected No. 4 overall in the 2010 NFL Drat. Williams is listed at 6-5, 320 pounds and is without a doubt among the strongest and best players in the entire league. 

Williams is on track to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer. In his 15-year NFL career to this point, Williams has been named First-team All-Pro three times, Second-team All-Pro two times, and a Pro Bowler 12 times. 

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) walks off the field after win against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Sadiq recording a better combine bench press just shows the strength he has as a tight end, outdoing what an all-time great offensive lineman put up in the same drill. 

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Another Oregon Ducks Tight End Heading to the NFL

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kenyon Sadiq is listed at 6-3, 241 pounds. The 20-year-old Sadiq had an elite 2025 season and was a reliable red-zone target for the Ducks as they made the College Football Playoff semifinal. He had 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. This propelled Sadiq to being named First-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten Tight End of the Year. 

Sadiq played all three of his collegiate seasons for Oregon from 2023-2025, totaling 80 receptions for 892 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. Sadiq will now take his talent to the next level. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Sadiq is the No. 19 overall ranked prospect in the 2026 class and is a projected first round selection.

Part of the reason why Sadiq didn't have the same production for Oregon in 2023 and 2024 as he did in 2025 is due to the fact that he was along with another star tight end, Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson had a career year for the Ducks in his final season in 2024 before he went to the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final season in Eugene, he totaled 43 receptions for 591 yards and three touchdowns.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Ferguson was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. As a rookie for the Rams in 2025, Ferguson hauled in 11 receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Ferguson was part of a high-flying Rams offense led by MVP-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford.

For Sadiq, it will be interesting to see where he lands. He appears to be a player that can come in and contribute immediately in the pass game and blocking in the run game.