The Senior Bowl is always a proving ground-a final audition for NFL hopefuls looking to boost their draft stock in front of scouts, coaches, and executives. For a few Ohio State players, it was one more chance to put on the scarlet and gray and show what they could do. But while some left Mobile with momentum, others left with more questions than answers.
Let’s start with the headline: the game itself was a bit of a slog. A 17-9 final that didn’t offer much in the way of fireworks.
But the real action, as always at the Senior Bowl, happened during the week of practices. That’s where scouts get the clearest look at who’s ready for the next level-and who might not be.
Ethan Onianwa’s uphill climb
One of the more surprising names to earn a Senior Bowl invite was Ohio State offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa. The surprise wasn’t just that he got the nod-it was that his 2025 season didn’t exactly scream “NFL-ready.” Onianwa spent most of the year buried on the depth chart as a third-string guard, despite transferring in with expectations of competing at tackle.
It’s fair to say things didn’t go according to plan. After transferring in, Onianwa never found his footing in Columbus.
He was brought in with hopes of bolstering the offensive line, but ended up struggling to crack the rotation. That lack of playing time left him as a fringe draft prospect heading into Senior Bowl week, and unfortunately, the practices didn’t do much to change that narrative.
He showed some flashes early in the week-enough to raise a few eyebrows-but consistency was an issue. As the week wore on, his reps became more uneven, and by the end of it, his draft stock had taken a noticeable hit. For a player already on the bubble, that’s a tough blow.
A tale of two trajectories
While Onianwa’s week didn’t go as hoped, other Buckeyes made the most of their opportunity. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun, for instance, turned heads with a strong showing.
He looked smooth in coverage and showed the kind of physicality that NFL teams covet. If he tests well at the Combine-as expected-he could work his way into the back end of the first round.
That’s a big jump, and one that speaks to both his talent and his development under Ohio State’s coaching staff.
The Buckeyes could ultimately see as many as five players taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a testament to the program’s continued ability to develop top-tier talent. But not every transfer or recruit pans out, and Onianwa’s situation is a reminder of how unpredictable the portal can be.
Looking ahead for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes
For head coach Ryan Day, Onianwa’s transfer is shaping up to be one of the more notable misses in his portal era. It’s a high-stakes game-programs are investing serious resources into transfers, and the expectation is that those players contribute right away. When that doesn’t happen, it forces a reevaluation of how those decisions are made.
Day and his staff have been aggressive in the portal, and for the most part, that strategy has paid off. But Onianwa’s case underscores the importance of fit, development, and realistic expectations. It’s one thing to bring in a player with upside; it’s another to ensure he’s ready to compete at a place like Ohio State, where the standard is sky-high.
As the Buckeyes turn the page to spring ball and prepare for another run at a national title, the focus will be on continuing to build a roster that can win now-while also avoiding costly misfires. The NFL Draft will be a celebration for several Buckeyes, but for others, it’s a reminder that not every journey follows the same path.