After an impressive graduate season at Duke, former Princeton linebacker Ozzie Nicholas is now focused on taking the next big step in his career: entering the 2025 NFL Draft. In a post on January 9, Nicholas expressed his excitement about the journey that’s brought him to this point, recognizing the hard work and dedication it took to get here.
“I’m excited to declare for the draft after years of work that have built up to this moment,” Nicholas shared. “I feel confident in the tape I’ve put together and I’m optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead in the league.”
Originally from Encinitas, California, Nicholas was a top talent in high school and earned a three-star rating. He was considered one of the best linebackers in his state, even making the first-team All-State roster. He committed to Princeton in 2019, but like many first-year players, he spent his early days adjusting to the rigorous combination of academics and athletics at the Ivy League school.
“Princeton played a huge role in shaping me both as a student and as an athlete,” Nicholas explained. “The adjustment was tough at first—there was a lot to juggle with the intense workouts, meetings, and practices. But learning to balance that with Princeton’s challenging academics really taught me how to manage my time and stay on top of everything.”
As his time at Princeton progressed, Nicholas quickly became one of the team’s star linebackers. His breakout junior season, where he recorded 75 tackles, earned him a defensive captain role for his final year with the Tigers. Nicholas delivered on that responsibility, leading the Ivy League’s top defense and making history as the first Princeton player to record over 100 tackles since 2010.
Reflecting on his time at Princeton, Nicholas credited the discipline he gained there for helping him train for the NFL. “At Princeton, I learned how to not just endure the intense schedule but excel in both academics and athletics,” he said. “Now, with the sole focus on preparing for the NFL, I’m able to embrace the long, tough days needed to succeed.”
His hard work paid off, earning him second-team All-Ivy honors in 2022, first-team honors in 2023, and third-team FCS All-American status in the same year. But the journey didn’t stop there.
Due to the Ivy League’s four-year undergraduate playing limit, Nicholas transferred to Duke to use his final year of eligibility. Despite the switch in schools, Nicholas found himself in a similar environment, with demanding academics and a competitive football program.
“The schedule at Duke wasn’t any easier than it was at Princeton,” he noted. “Both schools required serious effort, but the level of play at Duke was different. The ACC is one of the strongest conferences, and the competition was tougher. I had to step up my game—watch more film, spend extra time in the training room, and push myself even further.”
Nicholas didn’t just meet the challenge, he thrived. Playing for the Blue Devils, he made an immediate impact, finishing 8th in the ACC in total tackles and contributing to his team’s dominant defense. He even had a standout game against Florida State, where he forced a fumble, intercepted a pass, and recorded nine tackles—all in back-to-back plays.
Now, Nicholas is gearing up for the next phase of his career—entering the NFL Draft. If selected, he’ll be the first Princeton football player drafted since Andrei Iosivas in 2023. Nicholas has been in touch with Iosivas, who has quickly made a name for himself with the Cincinnati Bengals. “He’s been an amazing resource,” Nicholas said. “We’ve talked about the process, from choosing an agent to what to expect in my rookie year. He’s a great player and teammate, and I hope to follow in his footsteps.”
Nicholas’s quickness, combined with his strong defense and ability to force turnovers, make him a promising prospect in today’s NFL, where linebackers need to be agile and fast, able to cover both the run and the pass. Although he’s not considered a top-round pick yet, Nicholas is ready to prove his worth, likely as a late-round selection for a team looking to add a reliable linebacker to their roster.
To prepare for his pro day, where NFL scouts will get a close look at top prospects, Nicholas is training hard at Exos in Georgia. “I’m working with my trainer Roy Holms, whom I’ve known since high school,” Nicholas shared. “It’s a great chance to get stronger, faster, and more prepared while training alongside other elite athletes. I’m fully focused on making the most of this opportunity in the months leading up to the draft.”
With the NFL in his sights, Nicholas is one step closer to achieving his dream, and he’s determined to make the most of it.
