The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and, not surprisingly, Ohio State University looks ready to make waves yet again. With a long history of sending top-tier talent to the NFL, the Buckeyes seem set to add another impressive group to the league.
This year, it wouldn’t be shocking to hear several Ohio State names called early on draft night. The tradition of Buckeye excellence just keeps rolling, decade after decade.
Let’s take a look at some of Ohio State’s highest-selected players at each position. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to what makes this year’s class stand out.
Ohio State’s Legacy in the NFL Draft
Ohio State’s reputation in college football is pretty much unmatched, and that legacy carries over to the NFL Draft. The program’s produced 503 all-time draft picks—yeah, that’s a lot—which says plenty about their knack for developing pro-ready players.
Quarterbacks: The Leaders of the Field
One name that jumps out among recent Buckeye quarterbacks is C.J. Stroud. He finished his college career second in all-time passing yards (8,123) and touchdowns (85)—not bad at all.
The Houston Texans took Stroud at No. 2 overall, and he’s been making them look smart ever since. He’s already led the Texans to multiple playoff runs and division wins, which is no small feat.
Running Backs and Wide Receivers: Offensive Powerhouses
Ohio State’s offensive firepower goes way beyond quarterbacks. Howard Cassady, who won the Heisman in 1955 and was a two-time unanimous All-American, paved the way for future Buckeye backs.
Cassady went No. 3 overall to the Detroit Lions in 1956. He was ahead of his time, making an impact as both a running back and wide receiver.
Fast-forward a bit, and Marvin Harrison Jr. has become the latest star wideout. Taken fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, Harrison was the first Buckeye receiver to be a unanimous All-American and set a handful of school records along the way.
Defensive Stalwarts: Building a Wall
On defense, Ohio State’s impact is just as clear. Defensive ends like Nick Bosa and Chase Young have become big names in the league.
Bosa was the No. 2 pick for the 49ers in 2019 and picked up the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Even with some injuries, he’s stayed a force on the field.
Defensive Tackles and Linebackers: The Backbone of Defense
Dan Wilkinson went first overall in 1994 to the Bengals and stuck around for 13 years, showing what a solid defensive tackle looks like. Tom Cousineau was also picked No. 1 overall back in 1979 and made his mark as a linebacker, though he started out in the Canadian Football League first—kind of an unusual path, honestly.
Secondary Stars: Cornerbacks and Safeties
The Buckeyes have sent plenty of elite defensive backs to the NFL as well. Shawn Springs went third overall to the Seahawks in 1997, and Jeff Okudah matched that at No. 3 for the Lions in 2020.
Both showed that Ohio State’s secondary is never short on talent.
Special Teams Excellence: Kickers and Punters
Let’s not forget special teams. Mike Nugent was a standout kicker, picked in the second round by the Jets in 2005.
Nugent was known for consistency and reliability—traits you definitely want in a kicker.
2026 NFL Draft: A New Generation of Buckeyes
This draft class could feature plenty of Buckeyes, with top prospects like Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, and Kayden McDonald all in the mix. They’re ready to keep Ohio State’s NFL pipeline flowing.
Spring Practice and Future Preparations
With the 2026 college football season still a ways off, Ohio State’s already getting to work. Spring practice is underway, and it’s giving fans an early look at what’s next.
There’s sure to be plenty of chatter and updates as the Buckeyes gear up for another season. If history tells us anything, expectations will be sky-high.
Ohio State Basketball: A Season of Transition
Switching gears to hoops, Ohio State basketball returned to the NCAA Tournament this year, but the run ended a little sooner than fans hoped. The offseason’s going to be important as the team looks to regroup and fix a few things.
Transfer Portal Activity
The transfer portal’s been busy for the Buckeyes. Some players are out—like Devin Royal and Taison Chatman—but reinforcements are coming in.
New faces like Justin Pippen and Andrija Jelavic could make an instant difference. It’s always hard to predict how these moves will play out, but there’s a sense of cautious optimism.
Recruiting Success
Head coach Jake Diebler and his staff have locked in commitments from top recruits, including five-star Anthony Thompson and four-star Alex Smith. Add in returning talents like John Mobley Jr. and Amare Bynum, and there’s a lot to look forward to next season—even if there are still some unknowns.
Conclusion
Ohio State just keeps churning out top-tier talent for both the NFL and college basketball. Their legacy of excellence? Still going strong, no question there.
The 2026 NFL Draft looks like it’ll add another chapter to that story. Plenty of Buckeyes are expected to make their mark at the next level—should be fun to watch.
If you want more details or the latest on Ohio State’s draft prospects (or just sports news in general), check out our comprehensive coverage.
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