Top 10 college players with most bench press reps in 2024 NFL Combine ft. Jordan Jefferson

The 2024 NFL Combine started with live drills on Thursday, Feb. 29, and will run until Mar. 6, It is being held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This annual event has various physical tests, including bench press, where athletes attempt to lift a 225-pound (102kg) barbell as many times as possible.

Over 300 players have been invited to participate this year in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and various agility drills (225-pound bench press, broad jump, three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle).

Some players have captivated the gridiron world with their bench press performances in the 2024 NFL Combine.

Top 10 college players with most bench press reps in 2024 NFL Combine

Below is the list of the top 10 college players with the most bench press reps in the 2024 NFL Combine, per Pro Football Network:

#1 Jordan Jefferson (LSU, defensive tackle) recorded the most bench press reps at the 2024 NFL Combine with 34 reps.

Player	Reps
#2 Jared Verse (Florida State, edge)	31
#3 Tyler Davis (Clemson, defensive tackle)	29
#4 Kris Jenkins (Michigan, defensive tackle)	29
#5 Ruke Orhorhoro (Clemson, defensive tackle)	29
#6 Byron Murphy II (Texas, defensive tackle)	28
#7 Tip Reiman (Illinois, tight end)	28
#8 Marcus Harris (Auburn, defensive tackle)	27
#9 Braden Fiske (Florida State, defensive tackle)	26
#10 Cedric Johnson (Ole Miss, edge)	25

Top 12 most bench press reps in the history of NFL Combine

#1 Justin Ernest (defensive tackle)

Ernest topped the list of the bench pressers in NFL combine history, and holds the bench press record with 51 reps in 1999.

Rank	Name	Position	Reps
#2	Stephen Paea	Defensive Tackle	49
#3	Mike Kudla	Defensive End	45
#4	Leif Larsen	Defensive Tackle	45
#5	Mitch Petrus	Guard	45
#6	Terna Nande	Linebacker	41
#7	Margus Hunt	Defensive End	38
#8	Tommy Bohanon	Fullback/Special Teamer	36
#9	Joe Don Duncan	Tight End	35
#10	Kevin Ellison	Safety	32
#11	Chris Houston	Cornerback	27
#12	Jason Boltus	Quarterback	26

Why do quarterbacks rarely participate in bench press drills at NFL Combine?

There are a few reasons behind quarterbacks rarely participating in bench press drills at the NFL Combine. The primary one is that throwing drills have been designed to evaluate QBs at the Combine.

Additionally, strength and conditioning coaches for QBs generally advise avoiding the bench press due to the risk of injury. So, QBs rarely do this drill.

Nevertheless, if a player skips a drill, they will get a "DNC" on their results.

If QBs were to participate in the bench press at the NFL Combine, which current NFL quarterback would surprise everyone with their strength? Comment below!