2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Draft projections for Ohio State's 11 combine invitees

Talk about an NFL Draft talent pool. The Ohio State Buckeyes will have 11 players at the NFL Scouting Combine set to take place in Indianapolis from February 23 through March 2.  Overall, a total of 319 prospects have been invited to the scouting event that features the nation’s top talent, including OSU stars projected to go in the top 10 of the draft.

Despite a disappointing run in the college football playoffs, the Buckeyes roster was loaded with NFL-ready talent.  Led by outstanding linebacker Arvell Reese and the nation’s top safety Caleb Downs, Ohio State will be well represented at the NFL Combine and the 2026 NFL Draft.

Here’s the full list of Buckeyes, per the NFL’s release on Feb 11:

NFL Scouting Combine: When, where and how to watch

• Dates: Monday, Feb 3, 2026, through Monday, March 2, 2026

• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

• TV: NFL Network

NFL Draft projections for the top 11 OSU prospects

No. 1: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

• Height: 6’4”

• Weight: 243 lbs

• Age: 20

• NFL Draft projection: No. 2 overall to the New York Jets

Reese is clearly one of the top, if not the top, defenders entering the 2026 NFL Draft.  As a player who emerged as a hybrid off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge rusher in a breakout season under former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach Matt Patricia.  Noted for his outstanding closing speed and physicality, Reese will be a foundational piece for a team like the New York Jets who have needs all over the place.  With this sideline-to-sideline range as a linebacker and his ability to shift gears and get after the QB, Reese is one of those tone-setting defenders who will be hard to pass up for any team selecting in the top 5.

• Other teams with eyes on Reese: Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders

No. 2: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

• Height: 6’0”

• Weight: 205 lbs

• Age: 21

• NFL Draft projection: No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals

Like Reese, Caleb Downs is a high-energy, high-production defender who showcases extreme versatility on the football field.  Hands down the top safety entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Downs is a great open field tackler who brings leadership and dominance to the field.  Although the Arizona Cardinals have greater needs, they have an opportunity at No. 3 to draft their successor to the great Budda Baker who is getting up there in age.  Having him learn from and play alongside a great professional like Baker would help Downs translate his generational talent to the next level.

Other teams with eyes on Downs: Tennessee Titans, New York Giants

No. 3: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 195 lbs

• Age: 21

• NFL Draft projection: No. 5 overall to the New York Giants

Carnell Tate, who was overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, still found a way to emerge as the primary weapon for Justin Sayin and the Ohio State offense in 2025.  Although he doesn’t have breakaway speed, Tate is a savvy receiver who utilizes his high, route-running and ball tracking skills to make big play after big play.  With the success of former teammate Emeka Egbuka at the next level, NFL teams will be watching Tate closely at the combine.  One of those teams should be the New York Giants who are looking for a WR2 to pair with Malik Nabers.  Tate, who hauled in 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns will be more like a 1A playing opposite Nabers and catching the ball from Jaxon Dart.

Other teams with eyes on Tate: Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

• Height: 6’4”

• Weight: 243 lbs

• Age: 21

• NFL Draft projection: No. 12 overall to the Dallas Cowboys

Arvell Reese got most of the spotlight in 2025, but Sonny Styles is a player who can’t be overshadowed.  A former safety, Styles is a player with great range as a defender and versatility as a linebacker.  He can play MIKE or serve as a big nickel defender in passing situations.  He can also get after the quarterback, collecting 6.5 sacks in 2025.  Styles has consistently been linked to a Dallas Cowboys team who are looking for an immediate upgrade at linebacker.  Styles would serve that impact Day 1 in the NFL.

• Other teams with eyes on Styles: Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 326 lbs

• Age: 20

• NFL Draft projection: No. 25 overall to the Chicago Bears

Kayden McDonald is the ultimate run stopper.  A massive force who is tough to move, McDonald is coming off a breakout season in which he racked up a total of 65 tackles, including 9.0 tackles for a loss.  He also had 3.0 sacks which showcases his ability to create pressure up the middle.  The first team that sticks out as a fit for McDonald is the Chicago Bears, a team in need of a high energy nose tackle who can take up space and improve the team’s overall defense against the opposing team’s defense.

• Other teams with eyes on Styles: Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions

Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

• Height: 6’5”

• Weight: 243 lbs

• Age: 22

• NFL Draft projection: No. 71 overall to the Washington Commanders

Max Klare is one of the top tight ends entering the 2026 NFL Draft.  With the success of tight ends in recent drafts, NFL teams will have a close eye on Klare, who is a “Move” tight end who can serve as a big slot receiver in certain offenses.  As an OSU transfer in 2025, Klare hauled in 43 receptions for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns.  That was in an offense with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.  A team looking for a tight end with vertical speed are the Washington Commanders who will be looking to get more skill players around Jayden Daniels.  Could Klare be a player who elevates his ceiling at the NFL level?

• Other teams with eyes on Klare: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos

Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

• Height: 6’2”

• Weight: 192 lbs

• Age: 21

• NFL Draft projection: No. 90 overall to the Miami Dolphins

Teams looking for a cornerback on Day 2 will have their eyes on Davison Igbinosum, a physical defender who has the ideal size and work ethic to excel at the NFL level as a depth cornerback.  As a cornerback who plays aggressive, he will go through some growing pains at first at the next level with penalties, but as he grows and gains experience, he projects as a solid CB2 at the next level.  A team in need of cornerbacks are the Miami Dolphins.  Expect them to double-dip at this position as a team who will have three third round picks to play with.

• Other teams with eyes on Igbinosum: Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams

Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 260 lbs

• Age: 22

• NFL Draft projection: Fourth round to the New England Patriots

A mid-round steal for team’s looking for an edge rusher will be Caden Curry.  Coming off a breakout senior season, Curry collected 66 total tackles and 11.0 sacks to lead the team.  With a high motor and versatility at the defensive end position, Curry’s stock could rise at the NFL Combine and catch the attention of a former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end, Mike Vrabel.  With the Patriots having a need at the position, Curry fits as a player who can contribute on Day 1.  Watch for this connection to the Patriots to increase throughout the pre-draft process.

• Other teams with eyes on Curry: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens

CJ Donaldson, RB, Ohio State

• Height: 6’1”

• Weight: 234 lbs

• Age: 21

• NFL Draft projection: Seventh round to the Pittsburgh Steelers

A power back who is built like a rock, CJ Donaldson is a short-yardage, goal line force who does have some burst to his game.  Projected as a late-round pick, a team looking for a big back who secures the ball will have their eye on Donaldson.  One team that comes to mind are the Pittsburgh Steelers who love these kinds of backs.  If Donaldson can improve his pass protection, a team like the Steelers could utilize him as a full back in two back situations.

• Other teams with eyes on Donaldson: Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans

Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State

• Height: 6’6”

• Weight: 258 lbs

• Age: 23

• NFL Draft projection: Seventh round to the New England Patriots

Will Kacmarek is a big, blocking in-line tight end who is consisted tops in the nation when it comes to blocking tight ends.  The Patriots come to mind as a landing spot for Kacmarek because they commonly use a sixth offensive lineman for run blocking and at times pass protection.  Given their urgency to protect Drake Maye, a tight end who excels at pass protection and could also leak out and catch passes would be ideal.

• Other teams with eyes on Kacmarek: Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers

Lorenzo Styles Jr., DB, Ohio State

• Height: 6’1”

• Weight: 195 lbs

• Age: 23

• NFL Draft projection: Undrafted free agent signing - New York Jets

Lorenzo Styles Jr. is a nickel back who will find his way onto an NFL roster as a core special teamer.  Given the success the New York Jets had on special teams, the one area they were successful in 2025, Styles Jr. will be an intriguing player to add to the mix as a return specialist and a depth piece in the defensive backfield.

• Other teams with eyes on Styles Jr.: Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers