The Ohio State Buckeyes don’t rebuild-they reload. Year after year, they send blue-chip talent to the NFL, and that pipeline doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have become a factory for first-rounders, and if the latest 2026 NFL mock draft is any indication, they’re gearing up for another massive showing.
Since 2020, Day has coached up 14 first-round picks-a staggering number that includes offensive standouts like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Emeka Egbuka. And now, another wave of Buckeyes is poised to make noise at the next level.
According to ESPN's latest two-round mock draft following the Senior Bowl, Ohio State has three players projected to go in the top 10-yes, top ten. That’s not just impressive; that’s dynasty-level development.
Leading the charge is EDGE Arvell Reese, projected to go No. 2 overall to the New York Jets. Reese is a fascinating prospect-he split time between linebacker and edge rusher this past season, but it’s clear his future is wreaking havoc off the edge.
At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he’s got the size, and his 6.5 sacks last season only tell part of the story. What jumps off the tape is his explosiveness, violent hands, and relentless motor.
He’s built in that Micah Parsons/Abdul Carter mold-a hybrid terror who can bend the edge or drop into space. Once he locks into a full-time EDGE role, his ceiling is sky-high.
Then there’s Carnell Tate, projected to go No. 5 to the New York Giants. Ohio State wide receivers have been dominating the draft boards in recent years, and Tate looks like the next in line.
He’s a smooth route-runner with elite body control and a knack for making tough catches look routine. He fits the mold of what NFL teams crave in a WR1-size, speed, polish, and a competitive edge.
At No. 7, the Washington Commanders are projected to take safety Caleb Downs. Downs transferred into the program and immediately made an impact with his instincts and physicality.
He’s the kind of safety who can erase mistakes on the back end and isn’t afraid to come downhill and make a play in the box. In today’s NFL, where versatility is king, Downs brings a modern skill set that defensive coordinators will love.
And the Buckeyes aren’t done there. Linebacker Sonny Styles is also projected to land in the first round, going No. 12 to the Dallas Cowboys.
Styles is a rangy, physical presence who can cover tight ends, fill gaps, and bring the kind of toughness that defines great linebacker play. He’s the type of player who does a little bit of everything-and does it all well.
If this mock holds anywhere close to form, Ohio State could be looking at four more first-rounders in 2026. That’s not just a good draft class-that’s a statement.
Reese, Tate, Downs, and Styles are all different types of players, but they share a common thread: they’ve been developed in a program that consistently prepares athletes for the next level. The Buckeyes continue to churn out NFL-ready talent, and the league keeps taking notice.
Ohio State and NFL intangibles-it’s a connection that just keeps delivering.