ESPN analyst is showing that he is sleeping on the 2025 roster for the Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes had 14 players drafted in the most recent NFL Draft, falling just one short of tying the record for the most players selected in a single year. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they are returning their two best players: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. Smith will be around for […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes had 14 players drafted in the most recent NFL Draft, falling just one short of tying the record for the most players selected in a single year.
Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they are returning their two best players: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. Smith will be around for two more seasons, while Downs will be eligible to make the leap to the NFL after the 2025 season.
In ESPN’s most recent 2026 NFL Mock Draft, only one Buckeye is projected to go in the first round. That could come as a surprise, considering Ohio State is expected to have multiple players pushing for early-round selections.
Caleb Downs lands with the New Orleans Saints at No. 5 overall
Matt Miller projects the New Orleans Saints to upgrade their defense by selecting Downs with the No. 5 overall pick. It’s a premium draft position not often used on safeties.
“Safeties usually get pushed down the board, but Downs is different. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is my No. 1 overall player because of his range, versatility, and proven playmaker DNA. Downs has four interceptions in his two college seasons while showing the skills to play in the box or man center field as a deep safety. He’s routinely utilized as an eraser against whatever offenses do best. The Saints need good football players throughout their roster, and there’s no better one in this class than Downs.” — Matt Miller, ESPN
That said, several other Buckeyes deserve first-round consideration this far out. Carnell Tate could be the next wide receiver to extend Brian Hartline’s impressive streak of first-rounders, following Emeka Egbuka’s selection this past April. On the defensive side, Davison Igbinosun and Sonny Styles are strong candidates to hear their names called early as well.
Tight end Max Klare could be a one-and-done player and hear his name called among the first at his position. Meanwhile, Beau Atkinson and Kenyatta Jackson will aim for breakout seasons to boost their draft stock.
When April rolls around next year, it’s more likely than not that the Buckeyes will once again have multiple players taken in the first round.
