Ohio State lost four first-round picks off last year's squad. It was by far the most of any program in the country. Three of those players were on the defensive side of the ball. Ohio State lost three starters on the defensive line alone, as they have just one returning starter.
However, none of the starters on the defensive line were drafted in the first round. Caden Curry was selected in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts. Curry, an Indy native, had 11 sacks in his final year with the Buckeyes. After his first preseason game, he looks like the steal of the draft.
Former Ohio State DE Caden Curry stars in preseason debut
In his first game with the Colts, Curry put on a show against the Patriots. In the game, he was the leading tackler for Indianapolis. He finished with six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and two passes batted down. Some of his tackles were on special teams, too.
Curry was a jack of all trades when he was with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He always seemed to be in the right spot to make plays, and it seems he is doing the same thing at the NFL level. While Curry played mostly in the second half, he could see himself getting more playing time soon.
As a sixth-round pick, Curry is not guaranteed to make the team. He has to perform well during training camp and in the preseason games to give himself a chance to earn a roster spot. So far, reports are that he has been impressive during camp. He certainly was visible during the preseason opener.
Curry is reunited with J.T. Tuimoloau, who was a second-round pick for the Colts in 2025. Indianapolis is hoping for a bigger year from Tuimoloau after he was a healthy scratch in several games as a rookie. Now, both former Buckeyes could find bigger roles this season.
Former Ohio State players had strong preseason games in Week 1
Curry wasn't the only former Buckeye to have a strong preseason game in Week 1. Marvin Harrison Jr. had a nice touchdown catch for the Cardinals in their first game. Kayden McDonald had two tackles in his preseason debut with the Houston Texans, as well.
Perhaps the most encouraging debut for Ohio State fans was Will Howard. Howard missed all of last year's preseason games due to a broken hand. He was not able to play a single game for the Steelers, so his game against the Packers was the first meaningful action he had seen in two years.
In the game, Howard finished 7/9 for 86 yards and also had a rush for two yards. He looked good, even though his offensive line did not block well for him. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised him after the game. Surprisingly, former Buckeye quarterback Kyle McCord also looked strong while playing for the Packers. He finished 12/16 for 102 yards against the Steelers.
Fans will be pleased to see these guys playing well early in preseason. Personally, I'm glad to see Curry play well for my favorite team once more.
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