As the college football playoffs roll into the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on the showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Miami Hurricanes on December 31st. This isn’t just a battle for a spot in the semifinals-it’s a showcase of future NFL talent. Both rosters are stacked with players who could hear their names called early in the upcoming draft, and for teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, this game is a scouting goldmine.
Let’s break down the top prospects to watch and how they could fit at the next level-particularly in stripes.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. is coming off a monster performance in the first round against Texas A&M, where he racked up three sacks and made life miserable for the Aggies’ offensive line. There’s been chatter about his arm length not meeting ideal NFL standards, but on tape, he just wins.
Bain has a thick lower half, excellent bend, and a bull rush that packs real punch. His hands are constantly active, and he plays with the kind of motor that coaches love.
He won’t even turn 22 until next September, so there’s still room to grow. For a team looking to reload at edge rusher, Bain is the kind of disruptive presence who can get after the quarterback from day one.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is already well-known among fans and scouts alike. The Ohio State safety plays like a coach on the field-always in the right spot, always making the smart play.
He’s a reliable tackler and a tone-setter in the secondary. With Geno Stone set to hit free agency and the Bengals potentially needing to address the safety position, Downs would be a plug-and-play solution.
He’s the type of player who elevates the entire defense, and that kind of leadership and consistency is hard to teach.
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arvell Reese is one of the more intriguing hybrid defenders in this draft class. He’s lined up at linebacker and defensive end, and depending on the scheme, he could stick at either spot in the NFL.
While his production has dipped a bit in the second half of the season, the traits are undeniable. Reese is a downhill thumper with 6.5 sacks on the year and flashes of real pass-rush potential.
If he were to land in Cincinnati, he’d be a natural fit for the “viper” role in Al Golden’s defense-a versatile weapon who can play fast and physical.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Francis Mauigoa has been a mainstay on Miami’s offensive line, starting at right tackle for three straight seasons. He’s a mauler in the run game, moves well in space, and posted an impressive 88.8 pass-blocking grade during the regular season.
Some scouts believe he could kick inside to guard at the next level, which could make him even more valuable depending on team needs. If the Bengals don’t bring back Dalton Risner, Mauigoa could be a name to watch as a potential replacement with position flexibility and a nasty streak in the trenches.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is the kind of player who clogs up the middle and makes life easier for everyone around him. A classic run-stuffer, he anchors the defensive line and occasionally flashes some push as a pass rusher.
That’s not his calling card, but he’s not just a space-eater either. With TJ Slaton likely returning for one more season, McDonald could be a long-term solution at nose tackle.
If he’s still on the board in the second round, he’d be hard to pass up for a team looking to shore up its interior.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Converted safety Sonny Styles has taken a major leap this season after transitioning to linebacker. He’s been a model of consistency-always in the right run fit, zero missed tackles on the year, and expected to light up the combine with elite testing numbers.
His range and instincts stand out, and he’s the kind of player who could become the heartbeat of a defense. For teams looking for a modern linebacker who can cover, hit, and lead, Styles checks all the boxes.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Akheem Mesidor brings experience and production to the table. While he’s on the older side-he’ll be 25 soon-his ability to generate pressure off the edge is still very much NFL-caliber.
Playing opposite Rueben Bain Jr., Mesidor has quietly made a name for himself with his relentless motor and polished technique. He’s a candidate to go in the top 50 picks, and for a team that might be losing Trey Hendrickson or Joseph Ossai, his presence could help fill that void.
Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
Keionte Scott is one of the more versatile defensive backs in the country. He’s lined up outside, in the slot, and even at safety.
That kind of flexibility is invaluable in today’s NFL, where offenses force defenses to adapt on the fly. Scott is physical in run support and brings leadership to the secondary.
The Bengals already have a Swiss Army knife in Dax Hill, but you can never have too many DBs who can do a little bit of everything.
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Davison Igbinosun is a physical corner with the size and length NFL teams covet. Sometimes that physicality gets him into trouble-he’s been flagged for pass interference more than a few times-but he’s cleaned that up as the season has gone on.
Coaches often say it’s easier to dial back aggression than to teach it, and Igbinosun brings that competitive fire every snap. He’s the kind of corner who wants to win every rep, and that mentality could be a welcome addition to any secondary.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. & Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
Ohio State’s defensive end duo of Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry gives scouts two different flavors of pass rush. Jackson is the higher-upside prospect-long, athletic, and still developing.
Curry, meanwhile, has been the more productive of the two this season. With potential departures looming on the Bengals’ edge, both players could be on the radar.
Whether you’re looking for ceiling or steady production, Ohio State has you covered.
Ahmad Moten, DT, Miami
Ahmad Moten might be one of the most underrated interior defenders in the country. His 25.4% pressure rate is elite for a defensive tackle, and he’s chipped in 4.5 sacks on the season.
He’s not just a pass rusher either-his 74.3 run defense grade shows he can hold his own in the trenches. If he declares, Moten could be a strong day-two pick with the kind of interior disruption that teams crave.
For a defense looking to add juice up the middle, he’s a name to circle.
Bottom Line:
This Buckeyes-Hurricanes clash is more than just a playoff game-it’s a preview of the next wave of NFL talent.
From edge rushers to safeties, tackles to corners, both teams are loaded with players who could make an impact on Sundays. And for teams like the Bengals, this is a front-row seat to evaluate potential fits across the board.