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Ohio State football player 2026 NFL mock draft | Buckeyes Wire
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One of the greatest spectacles in all of American sports is about to come to a television or streaming device near you beginning this Thursday. We are, of course, talking about the NFL draft , with the 2026 version descending upon Pittsburgh for all the shenanigans and memorable moments.
Most NFL drafts have a very Scarlet and Gray fever because of the football factory that is Ohio State , but this year should have an even tastier Buckeye flavor because OSU is expected to have four players go very, very early in the first round of the draft, and perhaps five total players taken in the first round.
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That's right. Most NFL mock drafts have Arvelle Reese , Sonny Styles , Caleb Downs , and Carnell Tate going within the first ten to 15 picks, with Kayden McDonald also a possible first-rounder late. So yeah, we will be glued to things when the draft kicks off for its Day 1 first round on Thursday, and then through Saturday.
As we approach the draft, we are taking one last stab at trying to predict and project where every Ohio State player will go, with the earlier rounds being a little easier to figure out, and with the latter ones being more of a dart thrown against the dartboard. But hey, we're game.
Here's a look at our call on where and when each Ohio State football player will be selected in the 2026 NFL draft.
Ohio State NFL draft projected first-round picks
No. 2 - Arvelle Reese, Linebacker | New York Jets
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.
Reese seems to be pretty locked in with the Jets after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is most likely selected by the Las Vegas Raiders . Reese has versatility as a linebacker or edge rusher, but he is widely regarded as the best pass rusher in the draft and a freak of an athlete who has a huge upside.
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No. 5 - Caleb Downs , Safety | New York Giants
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) reacts in the first half of the college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
This isn't a lock, but most of the noise out there has Downs going at the No. 5 spot, which is a rise from where he was mocked earlier in the process. There was some weird news about a lingering injury, but that was probably the annual smoke some teams throw out there to make teams think twice about drafting a guy. Downs has a high IQ, can play almost anywhere on the field, and might just be the best defender in the draft.
No. 6 - Sonny Styles , Linebacker | Dallas Cowboys (trade from Cleveland )
Nov 15, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Woods (6) runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) makes the tackle on the play during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
It's really hard to predict trades, but the Cowboys have made it known that they would love to trade down, and this feels like a good spot for them to reach down and select a player like Sonny Styles. If it's possible as a first-rounder, Styles might be a little underrated because of how solid he was at his assignments and tackling. Make no mistake, though -- he's one whale of an athlete with size and fast-twitch ability, and he would fit in well wearing the star on the side of the helmet.
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No. 8 - Carnell Tate , Wide Receiver | New Orleans Saints
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a touchdown pass during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.
It's possible the Browns stay pat and select Tate, or that the Washington Commanders grab Tate a pick earlier for an Ohio State tandem with Terry McLaurin , but we're making the call that he falls here to the Saints to pair with another OSU receiver, Chris Olave . New Orleans has a few needs, but it desperately needs an upgrade at the position, especially with questions at quarterback.
No. 25 - Kayden McDonald , Defensive Tackle | Chicago Bears
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
It's possible McDonald falls to the second round, but having a guy like him that can clog the middle is a big-time luxury in the NFL. The Chicago Bears have the No. 25 pick and need some significant help on a defensive line that was one of the worst in the League last season. For that reason, we think the Monsters of the Midway will select a guy who can provide immediate relief and productivity there.
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The rest of the Ohio State players in the NFL draft
Davison Igbinosun , Cornerback (No. 77, 3rd round) | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Max Klare , Tight End (No. 83, 3rd Round) | Carolina Panthers
Caden Curry , Defensive End (No. 126, 4th Round) | Buffalo Bills
Will Kacmarek , Tight End (No. 179, 5th Round) | New York Jets
Lorenzo Styles Jr ., Safety (No. 204, 6th Round) | Los Angeles Chargers
Ohio State Undrafted Free Agents
CJ Donaldson , Running Back
Ethan Onianwa , Offensive Line
Tywone Malone Jr. , Defensive Tackle
John Ferlmann , Longsnapper
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football NFL mock draft: Where Buckeyes will be selected
