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Predicting how many first-round picks Ohio State football will have on the roster this year

With the Ohio State football program gearing up for another season, how many first-round picks will they have when April rolls around?
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a touchdown during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 18, 2026.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a touchdown during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 18, 2026. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Ohio State football program produced four first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. All of them were taken in the top 13, which is impressive in its own right. Carnell Tate was the first one, which was shocking, as well. Caleb Downs ended up being the final one.

In 2026, the Ohio State Buckeyes will still have a lot of talent on the roster. Despite the fact that they lost so much talent in April, they have plenty of top-shelf talent left to play this season. In fact, the Buckeyes should be a top-three team in the preseason polls.

As they get ready for Fall camp to start in July, the Buckeyes are about to learn who they will have as their starters for the upcoming season. That begs the question: how many first-round picks does the team have on the roster now that will get taken in 2027?

Predicting how many first-round picks Ohio State has this year

Jeremiah Smith is the only sure-fire first-round pick on this roster, and he might be the best player in the country. His ability to catch the ball and get separation is incredible. It would be shocking if he falls out of the top five next year, and there's a shot he's the number-one overall pick.

I fully believe Julian Sayin will be a first-round pick, too. He should follow up his Heisman Finalist season with something even stronger this year. While he has another year of eligibility, a big year would allow him to declare for the draft early and become a first-round pick.

Those two are the only players who are almost certain to be first-rounders, although there are a few more contenders. If Austin Siereveld starts at left tackle again and has a strong season, he could vault into the top 32. James Smith on the defensive line has a chance to get up there, as well.

Ohio State has plenty of offensive firepower to stay ahead of the schedule

The Buckeyes have plenty of offensive firepower, even with Tate gone. They might have the best offense in the country if the offensive line is able to block a little better. Ohio State's defense is going to be pretty solid with Matt Patricia back, and they should have a top-five defense again.

This offense has a chance to be elite enough to carry the team to a national championship even if the defense isn't up to snuff. Arthur Smith will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to dial up the right plays to make that happen, but he has a good reputation. He didn't become an NFL head coach for no reason.

Ryan Day has all of the pieces. The team has proper motivation after last season ended. Now, it's time for them to put it all together on the field and have a deep CFP run. If they are able to get it done, they will be a college football dynasty after winning two titles in three seasons.

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