Ohio State’s done it again—11 players picked in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s two years straight with double-digit Buckeye selections.
But hey, the draftees aren’t the whole story. Plenty of Ohio State guys are getting their shot as undrafted free agents, too.
Several Buckeyes have inked deals with NFL teams and will jump into rookie minicamps this offseason. Let’s check out where some of these undrafted players landed and what their chances look like.
Ohio State’s Undrafted Free Agents
The draft might be over, but it’s not the end of the road for every Buckeye. Some didn’t hear their names called but still landed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
They’re hoping to stick on a roster come September. Who’s headed where?
Donaldson Joins the New Orleans Saints
Donaldson, a big 6-foot-2, 230-pound back, signed with the New Orleans Saints. He made his mark at Ohio State in just one season, racking up 96 carries for 361 yards and punching in 10 touchdowns.
He transferred from West Virginia, where he played for three years. Now, he’ll be joining fellow Buckeye Lorenzo Styles Jr., who the Saints grabbed in the fifth round.
The Saints seem to like Donaldson’s knack for tough yards and think he can add some muscle to their running back group. Can he carve out a role? We’ll see.
Malone Follows Suit with the Saints
Malone is also headed to the Saints as an undrafted free agent. He was at Ohio State for three seasons after coming over from Mississippi.
Last fall, he broke through as a starting defensive tackle, posting 26 tackles and knocking down two passes in 2025. Disrupting the line? That’s his thing, and he’ll need to show it off to make the roster.
Ferlmann Gets a Shot with the Cleveland Browns
The Browns didn’t draft a Buckeye for the first time in four years, but Ferlmann will get a look at their rookie minicamp. He’s been Ohio State’s long snapper since 2023 after transferring from Arizona State.
Reliable long snappers are hard to find, and Ferlmann’s steady hands could help him stand out. The Browns’ special teams could use a boost, so there’s a chance here if he nails it.
The Journey Ahead
For these undrafted guys, it’s just the start. Rookie minicamps are their first shot to show coaches they belong.
It’s a tough leap from college to the NFL. Still, if you’ve watched these players, you know they’re not short on grit.
What It Takes to Succeed
Undrafted free agents have to fight for every inch. They need to work harder, adapt faster, and keep learning on the fly.
- Performance in Minicamps: First impressions matter—coaches are watching every snap, every drill. This is where jobs are won or lost.
- Versatility: If you can do a little bit of everything, or help out on special teams, your odds go way up.
- Mental Toughness: It’s not easy. The pressure’s intense, and bouncing back from setbacks is part of the deal.
Support Systems
Having people in your corner makes a difference. Family, friends, former coaches—they’re the ones who help keep things in perspective.
Plus, there’s a kind of bond among undrafted players, a shared sense of being overlooked that can push them to prove people wrong.
Looking Back: Success Stories
Ohio State’s got a track record here. Last year, right tackle Josh Fryar made the Cardinals’ 53-man despite not getting drafted.
Stories like his are fuel for this year’s group. It’s proof that if you stick with it, you can beat the odds.
Learning from the Past
- Perseverance: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The road’s bumpy, but sticking with it matters.
- Seizing Opportunities: Every snap counts—whether in practice or preseason games, you’ve got to make it count.
- Continuous Improvement: Nobody’s perfect coming in. Getting better every day is the name of the game.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s undrafted free agents have a challenging road ahead. Still, it’s not without excitement or possibility.
With some grit and a little luck, they might just carve out a place in the NFL. They’ll soon be heading into rookie minicamps, hoping to snag a roster spot.
Honestly, who knows what could happen next? If you’re curious about the full list of Ohio State’s undrafted free agents and their NFL outlook, check out the article here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
