Ohio State is once again gearing up to make a major statement in the NFL Draft. According to a recent three-round mock draft, the Buckeyes are projected to match a school record with five first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft-tying the mark set in 2006 and 2016. That’s elite company, and it speaks volumes about the talent pipeline in Columbus.
Let’s break down where these Buckeye stars are expected to land and what makes each one a potential difference-maker at the next level.
2. Arvell Reese, EDGE - New York Jets
The Jets are in a spot where they simply need to add blue-chip talent, regardless of position. That’s where Arvell Reese comes in.
At No. 2 overall, he’s not just a need pick-he’s the best player available on many boards. Reese brings a rare blend of size, speed, and tenacity off the edge.
He’s the kind of player who can anchor a defense for the next decade. While New York may be tempted to look at quarterbacks, Reese offers a safer, more immediate impact.
He’s a tone-setter, and for a team still trying to establish its identity, that matters.
5. Carnell Tate, WR - New York Giants
The Giants have been hunting for a true WR1 for years, and Carnell Tate might finally be the answer. He’s in the thick of a tight race with Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon for top receiver in this class, but what separates Tate is his polish and reliability.
He’s got the frame, the hands, and the route-running savvy to make an early impact. There are fewer questions about his health and scheme fit compared to his peers, which makes him a logical choice for a Giants team desperate for offensive stability.
11. Caleb Downs, S - Miami Dolphins
New Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley may not have coached Caleb Downs at Ohio State, but the fit here is seamless. Downs is the kind of do-it-all safety who can immediately become the backbone of a secondary.
He plays with a high football IQ, elite range, and a physical edge that will resonate in Miami’s evolving defense. For a team looking to retool its back end, Downs offers both immediate production and long-term upside.
12. Sonny Styles, LB - Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles is a positionless weapon-and that’s a good thing in today’s NFL. He started his college career as a big-bodied safety and finished it as a dynamic linebacker who can fly around the field.
His versatility is reminiscent of Micah Parsons-not in terms of being the same player, but in the way he can be moved around to create mismatches. Dallas loves players who can do a little bit of everything on defense, and Styles fits that mold perfectly.
25. Kayden McDonald, DT - Chicago Bears
At just 20 years old, Kayden McDonald is still scratching the surface of his potential. His 2025 season was a breakout campaign, showcasing his ability to be disruptive on all three downs.
He’s a 320-pound force with surprising quickness and power, and he fits into just about any defensive front. Chicago is building a physical, aggressive identity on defense, and McDonald gives them another foundational piece in the trenches.
Other Buckeyes to Watch
While the first round is loaded with Buckeye talent, only one Ohio State player is projected to go on Day 2: cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who’s slotted to the Washington Commanders early in the third round at No. 71 overall. Igbinosun brings length, physicality, and upside to a Washington secondary that needs reinforcements.
Around the AFC North
The mock draft also includes some notable moves for Ohio-based NFL teams. The Cleveland Browns are projected to grab Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 6, a pick that could stabilize their offensive line for years to come. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to bolster their defensive front with Auburn’s Keldric Faulk at No. 10-a move that would add more punch to an already physical unit.
Top of the Board
Leading the mock draft is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s a bold move, but one that underscores how quarterback-hungry the league remains. Mendoza’s rise has been meteoric, and Vegas is betting big on his upside.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and if this mock holds true, it could be another banner year for Ohio State. Five first-round picks is no small feat-it’s a testament to the program’s ability to develop elite talent across the board. From edge rushers to wideouts, safeties to linemen, the Buckeyes are sending NFL-ready players to every level of the field.
And come April, the NFL will be all the better for it.