The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes were stacked - plain and simple. Talent across the board, especially on defense, had them pegged by many as the team to beat in the race for back-to-back national titles.
But as we all know, college football doesn’t deal in predictions. After a dominant regular season, the Buckeyes’ championship dreams came to a halt with a loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl.
Now, with the season in the rearview mirror, attention shifts to the NFL Draft - and Ohio State is once again in the spotlight. A handful of Buckeyes are poised to hear their names called early, and the numbers being thrown around are eye-popping.
According to one respected draft analyst, as many as seven Ohio State players rank among the top 54 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s not just a testament to individual talent - it’s a reflection of how well this program develops pros.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic has been bullish on Ohio State’s draft class for months, and his latest rankings only reinforce that confidence. Leading the way is linebacker Arvell Reese, who Brugler currently has as the No. 1 overall prospect in the draft. Reese’s combination of speed, instincts, and physicality has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and it’s no surprise to see him at the top of the board.
Right behind him are two more Buckeyes: safety Caleb Downs and hybrid defender Sonny Styles, ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. That gives Ohio State three of the top five prospects in the class - a staggering concentration of elite defensive talent from one program.
And the Buckeye presence doesn’t stop there. Wide receiver Carnell Tate checks in at No. 10 on Brugler’s board.
Tate’s blend of route-running polish and big-play ability has scouts buzzing, and he’s one of only two offensive players from Ohio State to crack the top 54. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, listed at No. 26, is another name to watch.
He’s ranked as the second-best DT in the class, and his ability to anchor the line and disrupt plays in the backfield makes him a valuable commodity in today’s NFL.
Rounding out the list are cornerback Davison Igbinosun at No. 50 and tight end Max Klare at No. 54. Igbinosun brings length and physicality to the secondary, while Klare has emerged as a reliable pass-catcher with the versatility to line up all over the formation.
Seven Buckeyes in the top 54 is a remarkable achievement - and it’s even more impressive when you consider that only two of them play on offense. That defensive dominance we saw all season long? It’s translating directly to the draft board.
Looking ahead, the talent pipeline in Columbus isn’t slowing down. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin are expected to be among the top prospects in next year’s draft class, continuing a trend that’s become the norm under Ohio State’s current regime.
For now, though, all eyes are on April - and the Buckeyes are set to make a serious impact. Don’t be surprised if four or more Ohio State players hear their names called in the first round. This draft class is loaded, and NFL teams are well aware.