Julian Fleming’s Journey: High School Football Star to College Struggles and NFL Hopes

By Jason Bolton May 21, 2025 12:27

Julian Fleming’s football journey is a study in promise, perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of athletic careers. Once the nation’s top high school receiver, Fleming’s path from record-setting phenom to NFL hopeful has been marked by both flashes of brilliance and relentless adversity.

A Record-Setting Start

Fleming’s legend began at Southern Columbia High School in Pennsylvania, where he shattered state records with 5,514 receiving yards and 77 touchdown receptions—numbers that made him “the state’s career leader in touchdown receptions and receiving yards”. His senior year alone saw 1,582 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he was named Pennsylvania’s Gatorade Player of the Year. ESPN ranked him the No. 1 overall player in his class, a rare feat for a wide receiver.

The Ohio State Years: High Hopes, Harsh Realities

Arriving at Ohio State in 2020, Fleming faced immense expectations. “I sat behind great guys at Ohio State for two years. That was great to learn from, but I never cheated the process and stayed the course,” Fleming reflected at his pro day. Yet, injuries quickly became a recurring theme. Shoulder issues from high school lingered, and new setbacks—knee, ankle, and back problems—further hampered his development. “Rocky,” Fleming described his college career, “A couple bumps and bruises here and there, a couple injuries that sidelined me for a little bit”.

Despite the challenges, Fleming showed resilience. His best season came in 2022, with 34 catches for 533 yards and six touchdowns, ranking third in the Big Ten in yards per reception (15.7). But consistency eluded him. Over four years at Ohio State, Fleming totaled 79 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. As new stars emerged, he was pushed down the depth chart, and by 2023, his production dipped to 26 catches for 270 yards.

Penn State: A Homecoming and Final Chance

With one year of eligibility left, Fleming transferred to Penn State in 2024, hoping for a fresh start close to home. “He’s been a really good addition, and I know he’s earned the coaches’ and players’ trust really quickly,” said Penn State coach James Franklin. But the story remained bittersweet. Fleming managed just 14 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown, again limited by injuries and an offense that struggled to showcase his skills.

The NFL Dream—and a Cruel Twist

Despite modest college stats, Fleming’s pedigree earned him a shot in the NFL. After going undrafted in 2025, he signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent. However, a failed physical—due to “recent hip and back injuries”—ended his stint before it began. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career, and I’ve always come out on top of every hurdle that I’ve run into,” Fleming said, underscoring his resilience.

Now, Fleming is exploring minicamp opportunities with teams like the Ravens, 49ers, and Commanders. His journey, once destined for stardom, has become a testament to perseverance. As one observer put it, “It’s a shame we never got to see Fleming’s potential. He was always someone I was rooting for”.

Julian Fleming’s rise and fall remind us that football careers are shaped as much by circumstance and health as by talent. His story, marked by both heartbreak and hope, is far from over.