The Ohio State football program had a lot of talent on the 2025 team. Unfortunately for them, it wasn't good enough for them to find a way to win a national championship. Still, most of the NFL talent was on the defensive end of the field. The Buckeyes had the best defense in the country statistically.
Most of that talent has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft that will happen in a couple of months. While the Buckeyes were busy trying to replenish that lost talent, these defensive players are getting ready for the Combine and are ready to play professionally. These players are trying to improve their draft stock.
These Ohio State Buckeyes are all near the top of multiple teams' draft boards. According to The Athletic, the Buckeyes have four players in the top ten of the best players available in the 2026 draft, with all of them being on defense. That shows just how good that unit was.
Four Ohio State football players sit on the top of The Athletic's draft prospects
The Athletic still has Arvell Reese as the top overall prospect for the 2026 Draft. The linebacker was able to show his pass-rushing potential in the first half of the season, even if his production slowed down once the last few weeks of the season began.
Caleb Downs is listed as the third overall prospect. He was probably the best defensive player in the country this season. The safety is one of the best players that the Buckeyes have had in recent years. Without Down on the roster, Ohio State likely wouldn't have won the 2024 national championship.
Wide receiver Carnell Tate is listed as the ninth overall prospect in the draft. Tate showed that he has the true talent to be a number-one receiver when he is given the opportunity. Sonny Styles is the final player in the top ten; he is listed as 10th on the list.
These Buckeyes will make some NFL teams very happy in the next few months.