The 2026 NFL Draft is still a couple months out, but if you're scouting for early dominance, look no further than Columbus. According to Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest Big Board, Ohio State isn’t just sending a few names to the pros - they're flooding the top tier. Kiper has four Buckeyes ranked inside his top seven overall prospects, an eye-popping show of talent that speaks volumes about the program’s development pipeline.
Let’s break it down.
Arvell Reese: No. 3 Overall | LB/EDGE
Reese is the kind of player that jumps off the screen - and not just because of his stats. Sure, 69 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks over 14 games is a strong line.
But it’s the way he plays that sets him apart. Reese has that rare blend of natural instincts and explosive burst, allowing him to react before plays fully develop.
Whether he’s stopping the run or getting after the quarterback, he’s always around the football.
If you count him as an edge rusher, he’s the top dog in the class at that position. His ability to shift between linebacker responsibilities and pass-rushing duties makes him a true chess piece for any NFL defense. Coaches love versatility, and Reese brings it in spades.
Carnell Tate: No. 5 Overall | WR
Ohio State has become a factory for elite wide receivers, and Carnell Tate is next in line. While much of the spotlight last season was on Jeremiah Smith, Tate quietly turned in a monster year: 51 catches, 875 yards, and 9 touchdowns in just 11 games. That’s 17.2 yards per catch - big-play territory.
Tate brings more than just numbers. He runs crisp routes, has strong hands, and shows elite body control in contested situations.
And here’s a detail that NFL coaches will circle in red ink: he blocks. That willingness to do the dirty work on the perimeter is part of what elevates him from good to great in the eyes of scouts.
Caleb Downs: No. 6 Overall | S
Downs is football IQ personified. The former Alabama standout transferred to Ohio State and didn’t miss a beat, showing off the same sharp instincts that made him a freshman phenom under Nick Saban. He racked up 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions over 14 games, but it’s how he sees the game that really stands out.
He reads offenses like a seasoned vet, diagnosing plays before they unfold and putting himself in position to make stops - both in the box and in coverage. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he’s built for today’s NFL, where safeties need to cover ground and bring the hammer in open space. Downs does both.
Sonny Styles: No. 7 Overall | LB
Styles is a linebacker with a safety’s speed - and that’s not just a figure of speech. At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, he’s a big man who moves like a much smaller one. His 2025 stat line (77 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 9 run stops, 3 pass breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, and 1 sack) tells the story of a player who’s everywhere at once.
He’s expected to shine in pre-draft testing, and it’s easy to see why. Whether he’s spying quarterbacks, closing gaps, or dropping into coverage, Styles plays fast and physical. His transition to a new defensive system under Matt Patricia didn’t slow him down - it seemed to unlock even more of his potential.
Kayden McDonald: No. 17 Overall | DT
McDonald is the kind of interior defensive lineman who makes life miserable for offensive coordinators. After two quiet seasons, he erupted in 2025 with 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 17 run stops. He also forced two fumbles and earned Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors.
At 6-foot-3, 326 pounds, McDonald is a load in the middle - but he’s not just a space-eater. He’s quick off the snap, strong at the point of attack, and relentless in pursuit. That combination of size, athleticism, and motor makes him the No. 1 defensive tackle on Kiper’s board.
And that’s just the top of the list. Ohio State also has Caden Curry ranked as the No. 6 defensive end, Max Klare and Will Kacmarek slotted at No. 6 and No. 10 among tight ends, and Davison Igbinosun ranked as the No. 12 cornerback.
If you’re keeping score at home, that’s talent across every level of the defense - and a few key offensive spots too. The Buckeyes aren’t just sending players to the league; they’re sending top-tier, impact-ready prospects who could shape the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Circle April 23-25 on your calendar. Pittsburgh will host the draft, and if this Big Board is any indication, Ohio State fans might want to book a front-row seat.