2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Austin Jablonski, WR, Concordia University–Nebraska

• Name:  Austin Jablonski
• Position: Wide Receiver
• College: Concordia University–Nebraska
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 215
• Twitter: jaboman22
• Instagram: i.am.jabo

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft? 

I am a big-framed, strong, fast, and sure-handed receiver who excels in blocking. In the 2023 season, I was named NAIA First Team All-American. I led the NAIA with 113.4 yards per game and 9.1 catches per game and totaled 1,134 receiving yards in ten games. I scored 10 total touchdowns (8 receiving, 2 rushing, and 1 throwing), including a 75-yard TD run from the wildcat formation. What I believe my stat sheet does not adequately show is how I can effectively use my larger frame to excel in yards after catch. A majority of my passing yards come from getting the ball in my hands early and making a play with my feet. 

As a wide receiver, my strengths lie in my intelligence, versatility, work ethic, and consistent performance on the field. Over the past season, I was able to make big plays and consistently deliver for my team. My experience as a quarterback in high school and college has given me a unique understanding of the game, which I leverage to find gaps in defenses and make smart plays. I am also a dedicated student of the game, constantly working to get better, whether it’s improving my route running, getting faster and quicker, or building chemistry with my teammates. My commitment to excellence both on and off the field is what sets me apart as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

In addition to my physical abilities, my leadership skills and character are integral to my success. I have been recognized multiple times for my contributions to my community and my leadership, such as receiving the University of Nebraska Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award- presented to 27 student-athletes from all sports for exceptional leadership, consistent and dedicated community service, and positive influence. At Concordia, I was a back-to-back national champion in the Collegiate Leadership Competition, which included national tournaments in Newport News, Virginia, and Cleveland, Ohio.  I believe that my drive to win, combined with my athletic ability and leadership qualities, make me a strong candidate for the NFL. I am ready to bring my dedication and talent to the professional level and make an impact in the league.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I believe that in order to be successful, you have to be fully willing to fail and learn. Studying film, perfecting my craft, and finding any way to contribute to the team are all ways I have committed myself to excellence. This commitment is what has allowed me to become very adaptable and dependable in my college career. I have never missed a game in any sport due to injury, grades, discipline, or any other reason.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

Muscular Dystrophy, one of my best friends from high school Hayden was born with this disease, a condition that causes muscle degeneration and loss of muscular control. While in high school I remember watching Hayden compete in a motorized scooter soccer match and see him go off for multiple goals! Hayden was a student manager for our sports teams and to this day we still stay in close contact. Hayden is one of my biggest inspirations because, despite the adversity he has faced in life, I’ve never seen him be negative or feel sorry for himself. Being the sports fanatic that he is, it drives me to always work harder when I think what Hayden would give just to be able to stand on the field. 

Who was your role model? 

My Dad is my role model. Through the ups and downs of my career, and even my life, my Dad has always been there for guidance when needed. He taught me the value of hard work and the importance of integrity. To have seen the things my Dad has done for our family and never ask for credit makes me strive to be a better man in everything I do.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

With the Kansas City Chiefs being the closest team to Lincoln, I grew up watching them a lot on TV. It has been fun watching them build a winning culture over the years. However, I would say that I’ve always been more of a fan of certain players. One of the reasons I wear number 16 is because I wanted to play quarterback just like Russel Wilson when he was in college. After my sophomore year of high school, I had the opportunity to attend the Manning Passing Academy and the roster for camp counselors was incredible: Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Sam Darnold. Watching how these guys carried themselves has made me always root for them to succeed throughout their professional careers.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I have to go with my roommate, John Goodwin. John and I both started out together at the University of Nebraska and for his graduate year has decided to come join me again at Concordia. He is a hardworking, dependable tight-end and I’m excited to ball out with him for our last year of college football.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My two biggest pet peeves are easily a lack of effort and a negative attitude. Seeing someone not put forth their best effort in anything is frustrating because I know how important it is to work hard and make the most of every opportunity. To build on that, it upsets me to see people not be grateful for what they have, knowing that in other parts of the world people would kill for the opportunities we have here in America. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite professor has to be Professor Todd Johnson. Being a professional baseball prospect in his college years, he has been a great guy to connect with who understands the challenges of putting yourself out there and marketing your skills. He helped me cope with attending a smaller school and drove home the point that “if you perform, they will find you.” I never fully believed that sentiment until recently. More importantly, he also told me that “championships feel good at every level”, I intend to find out if that’s true this season.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Leaving the University of Nebraska as a walk-on was something I did not want to do but something I had to do. The move was extremely tough for me but after three seasons of never once having a one-on-one meeting with a coach, not being selected for fall camp, being assigned to the auxiliary/freshmen locker room, scheduled lifting with the developmental/freshmen weightlifting group, and three seasons of watching games sitting in the south stadium with the student body made it obvious that I needed to move on.  

Growing up in Lincoln, I dreamed of being a Cornhusker my entire life. I even sold water in the stadiums from 5th grade all the way up to my junior year in high school when I started taking gameday visits. When I entered the transfer portal in the summer of 2021, I wasn’t sure if college football was what God had planned for me, and decided to just take classes and work for a whole semester. When I knew I was meant to play football again I transferred to a smaller, Christ-centered school that would give me the opportunity to play quarterback again. Despite going back to receiver, transferring to Concordia, it ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made, as a year later I went on to break school records and become an All-American. This whole experience has taught me the importance of believing in myself and trusting in God’s plan.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Being a Nebraska kid, I’ve got to go with either Runza or Amigos! If you’ve never had it, you have to get to Nebraska and try them out.

What is your favorite snack food? 

After football practice in high school, my mom and I would eat popcorn and watch an episode of our favorite show on Netflix. It’s not a flashy snack, but every time I have it reminds me of those good memories.

What is your degree in? 

Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Sorry to break the rules but I have to go with all four of my grandparents when they were my age. It would be amazing to see what they were all like in their youth that led them all to get where they did in life.

What is your biggest weakness?

One of my biggest weaknesses, not only in football but in life is getting too far ahead of myself. I believe to fully seize the moment you need to be where your feet are. By focusing on the task at hand, whether it’s working on my hands or spending time with loved ones, I can fully “squeeze the lemon” and get the most out of every opportunity life gives me.