11 Ohio State Players Projected for 2026 NFL Draft

Buckeyes could match program record with 5 first-round picks

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, conveying the energy and excitement of the upcoming NFL draft for Ohio State players.Ohio State's pipeline to the NFL continues with a projected 11 Buckeyes selected in the 2026 draft.Cleveland Today

According to the latest ESPN mock draft, Ohio State football is projected to have 11 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four Buckeyes in the first round: linebacker Arvell Reese, safety Caleb Downs, receiver Carnell Tate, and linebacker Sonny Styles. The Buckeyes could tie their program record of five first-round picks set in 2006 and 2016.

Why it matters

Ohio State has consistently been one of the top producers of NFL talent, and another strong draft class would further cement the Buckeyes' reputation as a premier pipeline to the professional ranks. This level of NFL-ready talent also helps Ohio State recruit top high school prospects and maintain its status as a national powerhouse.

The details

The 11 Ohio State players projected to be drafted include four first-rounders: linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 2 overall to the Jets), safety Caleb Downs (No. 5 to the Giants), receiver Carnell Tate (No. 6 to the Browns), and linebacker Sonny Styles (No. 10 to the Bengals). Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is projected as a second-round pick (No. 38 to the Texans), while other Buckeyes like tight end Max Klare, cornerback Davison Igbinosun, defensive end Caden Curry, and running back CJ Donaldson are slated for later-round selections.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

Arvell Reese

A linebacker projected to be selected 2nd overall by the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Caleb Downs

A safety projected to be selected 5th overall by the New York Giants in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver projected to be selected 6th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sonny Styles

A linebacker projected to be selected 10th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle projected to be selected 38th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April, where Ohio State will look to match or exceed its program record of 14 players selected in a single draft.

The takeaway

Ohio State's continued success in developing NFL-caliber talent is a testament to the program's ability to recruit and train elite players. This projected draft class further solidifies the Buckeyes' status as one of the premier college football programs in the country.