Ohio State had 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, tying its all-time record for a single class, including four first-rounders, the most of any program. And the pipeline shows no signs of slowing down. Heading into the 2025 season, nine Buckeyes carry draftable grades on my board, with six projected to go on day one or day two. Leading the way is safety Caleb Downs, one of the top overall prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and a likely candidate to become the highest-drafted safety since Jamal Adams went sixth overall in 2017.
Ohio State 2026 NFL Draft prospects
Safety: Caleb Downs
Preseason Grade: First Round
Ohio State’s top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and one of the best overall players is safety Caleb Downs. His elite versatility stands out; he can play free safety, strong safety, nickel, and even return kicks. Downs is stout against both the run and the pass. In coverage, he shows good range and fluid hips that allow him to stick with slot receivers. The 2024 Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year is also a physical presence against the run, consistently wrapping up tackles and playing with aggression.
Wide receiver: Carnell Tate
Preseason Grade: First Round
Ohio State has produced a first-round wide receiver in each of the past four NFL Drafts, and Carnell Tate has a strong chance to extend that streak. At 6-foot-3, Tate blends size with rare agility, helping him consistently win in contested situations—he caught 60% of his targets in tight coverage last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s also one of the most reliable hands-catchers in the 2026 class, having dropped just 6% of his targets, which backs up his ability to consistently catch away from his body.
OLB: Sonny Styles
Preseason Grade: Second Round
In his first season playing outside linebacker, Ohio State’s Sonny Styles delivered a strong campaign, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors with 100 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. NFL scouts will be drawn to his athleticism and versatility, especially given his background as a safety. However, his transition to the front seven isn’t complete. He still struggles with run fits and misses too many tackles, both of which he’ll need to clean up to solidify his draft stock.
OT: Ethan Onianwa
Preseason Grade: Second Round
Ohio State tackle Ethan Onianwa, a transfer from Rice, is a name to watch this season. He made the transition from right to left tackle last year and allowed just one sack all season. That said, his tape showed a player carrying too much weight, which affected his balance and footwork. He's already dropped 30 pounds this offseason to address that issue. If the weight loss leads to improved agility and cleaner movement, he could climb into late first-round territory.
TE: Max Klare
Preseason Grade: Second Round
Ohio State tight end Max Klare, who transferred from Purdue, enters the season as one of the most polished receiving tight ends in college football. He caught 51 passes for 685 yards last year and consistently showed the agility and body control to adjust to off-target throws, drawing comparisons to Sam LaPorta. His biggest weakness remains in-line blocking, and he transferred to Ohio State in part to develop that area in a more pro-style system.
CB: Davison Igbinosun
Preseason Grade: Third Round
Davison Igbinosun is one of the more physical corners in the 2026 NFL Draft. He excels at challenging receivers at the catch point, breaking up 11 passes last season. However, he can get grabby, which led to 16 penalties—the most among FBS defenders. To reduce these penalties, he needs to improve his footwork in press coverage and position himself better when the ball is in the air.
MLB: Arvell Reese
Preseason Grade: Fourth Round
Linebacker Arvell Reese is another player expected to be drafted this year. Last season, he was a backup to Arizona Cardinals fourth-round pick Cody Simon but still managed 43 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Reese is a physical tackler with good closing speed. His main area for improvement is reducing false steps when defending the run.
DE: Beau Atkinson
Preseason Grade: Sixth Round
Yet another player who started his college career at another school before joining Ohio State is defensive end Beau Atkinson, who comes over from North Carolina. He’s coming off a productive year with the Tar Heels, posting 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Atkinson offers ideal size and plays with noticeable power at the point of attack. However, questions about his agility and ability to consistently bend the edge likely push him into Day 3 territory.
WR: Brandon Inniss
Preseason Grade: Seventh Round
Another Ohio State wide receiver who could hear his name called in next year’s draft—if he declares—is Brandon Inniss. Although his production last season was limited to just 14 receptions and no games over 45 receiving yards, the former five-star recruit has the traits that draw NFL attention. He brings legit deep speed and adds value on special teams as a kick returner. If he puts together a breakout year, his draft stock could rise quickly.