An injury-slowed Ohio State reserve who found a starting role at Virginia, Mitchell Melton signed with the Colts after a national title and a breakout final season.
Mitchell Melton spent most of his college career battling injuries in a crowded Ohio State defensive line room before transferring to Virginia for a final, productive season. He signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2026, hoping his improved pass-rush numbers translate to an NFL opportunity.
Path to the league
Melton, a three-star recruit out of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, spent his first four seasons at Ohio State, where injuries limited his playing time. He transferred to Virginia for the 2025 season, where he became the Cavaliers' top pass rusher, then signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent.
Career highlights
Despite limited snaps for much of his Ohio State career, Melton contributed to the Buckeyes' 2024 College Football Playoff national championship run, tallying 12 tackles and two sacks that season. His move to Virginia gave him the volume of playing time he had lacked in Columbus.
2025 season recap
As Virginia's top pass rusher in 2025, Melton posted 45 tackles, including 10 for loss, along with five sacks, an interception and three forced fumbles. That breakout production as a first-year starter helped him land a three-year contract with the Colts as an undrafted free agent.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Mitchell Melton (American football)
- ESPN: Mitchell Melton
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive End
- Group
- defense
- College
- Virginia
- Hometown
- Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
