Ohio State Faces Uphill Battle to Title Contention After Key NFL Draft Losses

Rece Davis hesitant to bet on Buckeyes' return to championship form in 2026 season

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The 2024 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2025 season, but face a major challenge in replacing several key players who have entered the NFL draft, including four likely top 10 picks. ESPN analyst Rece Davis stated he is hesitant to bet on the Buckeyes returning to their former glory, though he still expects them to be in contention for the Big Ten title and College Football Playoff.

Why it matters

Ohio State has been one of the premier programs in college football, winning the national title in 2024. However, the loss of so much top-end talent could significantly impact their ability to compete for championships in 2026. This story highlights the challenges facing the Buckeyes as they try to reload and maintain their status as an elite program.

The details

The Buckeyes are losing several key players to the NFL draft, including four likely top 10 picks: linebacker Sonny Styles, wide receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Arvell Reese. If Ohio State wants to return to being a national championship team, they will need to find ways to replace the production they've lost. They do still have some top talent returning, such as quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and running back Bo Jackson, but the development of other players will be crucial to their success.

  • The 2025 college football season has concluded.
  • Ohio State lost to the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game and then fell to the Miami Hurricanes in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.

The players

Ohio State Buckeyes

A prominent college football program that won the national championship in 2024.

Rece Davis

An ESPN analyst who expressed hesitation about betting on Ohio State's return to championship form in 2026.

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

Sonny Styles

A linebacker for Ohio State who is entering the 2026 NFL draft as a likely top 10 pick.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver for Ohio State who is entering the 2026 NFL draft as a likely top 10 pick.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if I'm betting on them being right back where they were, but I wouldn't bet against them.”

— Rece Davis, ESPN Analyst (See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack)

“I'd be very surprised not to see them in the Big 10 Championship game and in the playoff.”

— Rece Davis, ESPN Analyst (See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack)

The takeaway

Ohio State's quest to reclaim its spot as an elite national championship contender faces a significant challenge due to the loss of several key players to the NFL draft. While the Buckeyes still have some top talent returning, their ability to reload and develop new contributors will be crucial in determining whether they can return to the top of college football in 2026.