Colts elevate Ulysses Bentley IV as he prepares for his NFL debut against the Dolphins
Ulysses Bentley IV boasts one of the most regal names in the NFL, a title that could easily place him among the elite. While competitors like Storm Duck and Kool-Aid McKinstry add flair to the league, Bentley’s name carries a certain royal resonance. This week, his name will ring out on the field as the Indianapolis Colts have promoted him from the practice squad to the active roster for their upcoming clash against the Miami Dolphins.
A timely opportunity
The Colts find themselves in need of additional depth at the running back position due to injuries among their current roster. Bentley is poised to seize this moment, eager to showcase his skills and make an impact as he steps into the spotlight for his NFL debut.
The journey of Ulysses Bentley IV
At 24 years old, Bentley has carved out a unique path in football. Hailing from Texas, he began his collegiate career at Southern Methodist University (SMU) before transferring to Ole Miss. His promise was evident early on, as he captured AAC co-freshman of the year honors during his redshirt freshman season with the Mustangs.
Following three productive seasons at SMU, Bentley made the transition to Ole Miss, where his journey took an upward turn. Although he received limited carries in his first season with the Rebels, he rebounded with impressive performances, rushing for 540 yards in 2023 and adding another 419 yards in 2024. His achievements led him to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Colts this past spring.
Measuring up
As Bentley prepares to make his mark in the NFL, he faces the challenge of overcoming certain physical benchmarks that typically excite scouts. At the NFL Combine, he clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds and measured 5-foot-9, weighing in at 201 pounds. His vertical leap of 32.5 inches demonstrates his athletic capability. However, what truly matters now is how he translates these attributes into performance on the field.
As kickoff approaches, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely to see how Bentley, with a name fit for royalty, rises to the occasion in his debut against the Dolphins.
