Ohio State’s 2025 campaign was a showcase of seasoned leadership and next-level talent, culminating in a 12-2 record, a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game, and a College Football Playoff appearance. While the Buckeyes fell short of repeating as national champions with a quarterfinal loss to Miami, the season reaffirmed the program’s reputation as a pipeline for NFL-ready talent.
That pipeline is flowing strong once again. The NFL released its list of 319 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and 11 Buckeyes made the cut - the third-most of any program, trailing only Texas A&M (13) and Alabama (12). It’s a group that reflects both the dominance of Ohio State’s top-ranked defense and the continued firepower of its offense.
Leading the way: Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs headlines the defensive invitees, and for good reason. The Alabama transfer didn’t just adapt to life in Columbus - he thrived.
Downs capped his junior year by winning the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, and his numbers back up the hype: 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two interceptions. He was a consensus All-American and the heartbeat of the Buckeyes’ secondary.
He’s joined in the defensive backfield by Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr., two players who brought very different paths to the same destination. Igbinosun, a physical, reliable corner, started every game and posted 53 tackles, eight passes defended, and two picks in his senior season.
Styles, on the other hand, made the rare and challenging switch from wide receiver to nickel corner - and made it look seamless. He finished with 30 tackles, three passes defended, and added value on special teams, including a kickoff return touchdown that turned heads.
Linebacker duo brings versatility and production
At linebacker, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles both earned Combine invites after standout seasons. Reese broke out in a big way as a junior, racking up 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks on his way to consensus All-American honors. His ability to create havoc behind the line of scrimmage made him a constant problem for opposing offenses.
Styles, who transitioned from safety to linebacker, brought a different kind of impact. He was a steady presence all year, leading the team with 82 total tackles, adding 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. His range and instincts earned him first-team All-American recognition.
Trench warfare: Curry and McDonald dominate up front
Up front, Caden Curry and Kayden McDonald were relentless forces for the Buckeyes. Curry, in his first year as a full-time starter, made the most of it. He posted 66 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks - a stat line that earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors and plenty of NFL attention.
McDonald, meanwhile, anchored the interior with power and consistency. He tallied 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and forced two fumbles. He also recovered one and was named a unanimous All-American - a rare feat for a defensive tackle and a testament to his dominance in the trenches.
Offensive weapons keep the tradition alive
On the offensive side, wide receiver Carnell Tate carried the torch for Zone 6, stepping into a larger role as a junior and delivering. Tate hauled in 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, showing off his route-running, hands, and ability to stretch the field - all traits that translate well to the next level.
Running back CJ Donaldson, a transfer from West Virginia, brought physicality and reliability to the backfield. He rushed for 361 yards and 10 touchdowns on 96 carries, serving as a bruising option in the Buckeyes’ rotation and a dependable finisher in the red zone.
Tight ends bring balance and versatility
The Buckeyes also send two tight ends to Indy: Max Klare and Will Kacmarek. Klare, who transferred in from Purdue, emerged as a key receiving option, catching 43 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns. He showed soft hands and good feel in space, giving quarterbacks a reliable safety valve.
Kacmarek played a more traditional role, contributing as a blocker while still adding 15 catches for 168 yards and two scores. His physicality at the line of scrimmage helped pave the way for the run game and protect the quarterback - traits that often go underappreciated but are crucial at the next level.
Eyes on Indy
With the 2026 NFL Combine set for Feb. 23 through March 2 in Indianapolis, these 11 Buckeyes will have one more opportunity to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. For a program that prides itself on player development and pro readiness, this group is another strong testament to Ohio State’s ability to reload, not rebuild.
And while the national title slipped away this season, the Buckeyes’ presence at the Combine is a reminder that the talent in Columbus continues to be elite - and NFL teams are paying close attention.