What to know about impressive Ohio State NFL Draft class

The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again turning heads with their draft-worthy talent.  

Ohio State has multiple players projected as top-10 selections. In a seven-round mock draft, ESPN's Matt Miller projects four Buckeyes going in the first round and 11 overall.

The NFL Draft is April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

Ohio State tied its school record with 14 players selected in 2025, just one shy of the modern-era record of 15 set by Georgia in 2022. The Buckeyes might tie the Bulldogs in 2026.

The top five Ohio State players in the NFL Draft

Safety Caleb Downs

Downs (6-foot, 206 pounds) is one of the most complete defensive backs in recent years, projecting as a top-10 lock with elite range and instincts. He can cover all levels and lead a defense.

Pro Football Focus, which ranks him as the top safety, notes he has "great downhill acceleration/speed" but "has trouble working off all blocks."

Linebacker Arvell Reese

Reese is a 6-foot-4, 241-pound athletic freak who has drawn comparisons to a young Micah Parsons for his explosiveness and versatility. Pro Football Focus ranks him the second-best player on its big board, behind Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza.

Wide receiver Carnell Tate

Tate (6-foot-2, 192 pounds), who could be the first wideout off the board, has the ability to open up offenses. 

"You watch his route running and his body control, and tell me that's not [Vikings star] Justin Jefferson," an NFC area scout said, per Miller.

Linebacker Sonny Styles

Styles (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) has a sideline-to-sideline motor, speed and coverage skills that could make him a top-five pick.  

Styles, a safety when he entered college, has drawn comparisons to versatile Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. "I'd love to be in a scheme where I can do multiple roles," he said, per NBC Sports' Josh Alper.

Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald

McDonald (6-foot-2, 326 pounds), who has high-upside potential, is a stout interior presence who can create havoc at the point of attack.

“I’m just a powerful player,” McDonald told the Chicago Sun-Times. “You know what you’re going to get out of me. I’m the strongest guy on the defense, and I’m a natural. Football comes easy for me.”

Beyond the headliners

Eleven Buckeyes received invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Tight end Max Klare (6-foot-5, 243 pounds), cornerback Davison Igbinosun (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and defensive end Caden Curry (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) will hear their names called on Day 2 or early on Day 3. 

Running back CJ Donaldson Jr. (6-foot-2, 232 pounds), tight end Will Kacmarek (6-foot-6, 258 pounds), offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa (6-foot-6, 345 pounds), center Carson Hinzman (6-foot-4, 300 pounds), defensive tackle Tywone Malone Jr. (6-foot-4, 309 pounds) and safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. (6-foot-1, 194 pounds), Sonny's older brother, also could get drafted.

Kicker Jayden Fielding (6-foot-2, 175 pounds), who reportedly had a strong Pro Day, could get selected on Day 3. He was not invited to the combine.

This depth illustrates the excellence and development ability at Ohio State, which holds the record for most first-round picks with 95. Expect another big weekend for the Buckeyes in Pittsburgh. 

Prediction: 13 Ohio State players will be picked in the NFL Draft