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University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
DL
/ Football
Eastern Invited to NFL Scouting Combine
2/11/2026 10:44:00 AM | Football
This is the seventh straight year that the Gophers have had a player invited to annual event
Standout defensive lineman Deven Eastern was invited to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine today. This year's event will take place in Indianapolis from February 23 through March 2.
Eastern most recently turned heads at practices for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, which were in late January.
In 2025, the Shakopee, Minn., native made 38 tackles (18 solo) and had five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also broke up one pass and forced one fumble as he was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Eastern played in 45 games at Minnesota – starting the final 39 of his career – and ended his career with 97 tackles (43 solo), 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also broke up five passes and forced two fumbles. Eastern was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, as he was recognized in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
This is the seventh straight year that Minnesota has had a player invited to the annual combine.
Eastern most recently turned heads at practices for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, which were in late January.
In 2025, the Shakopee, Minn., native made 38 tackles (18 solo) and had five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also broke up one pass and forced one fumble as he was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Eastern played in 45 games at Minnesota – starting the final 39 of his career – and ended his career with 97 tackles (43 solo), 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also broke up five passes and forced two fumbles. Eastern was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, as he was recognized in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
This is the seventh straight year that Minnesota has had a player invited to the annual combine.
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