As we gear up for the much-anticipated 2025 NFL Draft, Ohio State's top football prospects have been clocking some serious air miles, engaging with teams across the nation. These visits are snapshots of potential futures, as teams get up close with the Buckeye talents they might select, including members of last year's National Championship roster.
Thanks to NFL regulations, each team is allowed to host up to 30 players on pre-draft visits. Plus, local talents have additional pathways through their respective local pro days, where players—often later-round picks or undrafted hopefuls—showcase their skills.
While teams aren't required to reveal every soul they host, we’ve tapped into interviews and reports to piece together where Ohio State stars have been making their rounds. Here's a rundown of how the pre-draft landscape is shaping up for them.
Starting with Josh Simmons, the offensive tackle has been on a tour de force, visiting eight NFL teams. As a potential first-rounder and the only Buckeye attending the draft in Green Bay, he's notably caught the eye of teams picking high, like the Saints and 49ers. The Chiefs are seen as a safe landing spot should he slide that far, underscoring his status as a prime candidate to bolster any offensive line.
Tyleik Williams, meanwhile, impressed as he impressed with seven team visits. The former Buckeye defensive tackle has positioned himself as a late first-to-second round option. All but one of the teams he's visited are primed to pick toward the end of the first round, suggesting that some serious suitors could nab him on Day 1.
Donovan Jackson, an offensive lineman, has had his dance card full with the Eagles, Giants, Raiders, Texans, Titans, and Vikings. His potential spans late first and early second rounds, making him a hot commodity. With multiple teams in the mix, Jackson should anticipate hearing his name sooner rather than later.
Then there's running back Quinshon Judkins, who has been courted by both Ohio NFL teams, among others, in his six visits. Projected to land in the second or third round, he has multiple opportunities thanks to teams with numerous picks in these rounds.
Fellow RB TreVeyon Henderson shares suitors with Judkins, having been hosted by the Bengals, Broncos, and Cowboys, among others. Henderson's talent might even propel him into a late first-round pick, though the second round seems more plausible, depending on how the draft unfolds.
Cornerback Jordan Hancock has capitalized on strong pro day performances to secure visits with the Bears and Browns, while also engaging with the Bengals and Falcons through local days. Though predicted as a Day 3 selection, his versatility makes him a sly pick for teams in need of defensive backfield depth.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka continues to be a hot ticket. While chiefly linked to the Cowboys and Packers, he remains a first-round favorite for teams looking to add a dynamic receiving option to their rosters.
Quarterback Will Howard has had a singular confirmed engagement with the Raiders, reconnecting with his former coordinator and eyeing a possible backup role behind Geno Smith. It's an opportunity that would reunite him with familiar play-calling.
Jack Sawyer, a defensive end, focused his visit antics on the Bengals, who could see him as a fitting successor to Sam Hubbard. Projected for Day 2, Sawyer's addition would be a strategic move in strengthening Cincinnati's defensive front.
Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, too, received an invite to Cincinnati, hinting at the Bengals’ desire for defensive upgrades. Draft conjecture places him anywhere from the third to the seventh round, which aligns with Cincinnati’s potential draft goals.
Safety Lathan Ransom's visit with the Browns keeps him connected to Ohio, where he projects as a mid-round pick. A pairing with Cleveland would not only keep him local but also reunite him with former teammate Ronnie Hickman.
Seth McLaughlin, coming off injury, made his presence felt at Atlanta's pro day. The Falcons, in need of a center, could see value in him despite concerns about his Achilles.
Josh Fryar and Gee Scott Jr., while not combine invitees, leveraged local pro days to connect with teams like the Bengals and Colts. Both are looking to seize any opportunity, whether through late-round selections or undrafted free agency.
As the draft looms, these visits are pivotal, framing a narrative where dreams meet logistics. For these Buckeyes, it's a time of anticipation and proving their mettle as they transition from college champions to NFL hopefuls. Keep an eye on these visits—they might just be the start of new chapters in storied careers.
