The Buckeyes are quietly positioning themselves for a historic takeover.
Big Ten heavyweight could dominate the top 15 of the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ohio State is no longer just part of the NFL draft conversation. It is increasingly at the center of it.
The latest 2026 mock draft from Pro Football Focus underscores just how loaded the Buckeyes’ roster remains, projecting four Ohio State players inside the top 15 selections in April. Max Chadwick’s mock highlights a Buckeyes program that keeps turning elite college production into NFL ready talent across the entire field.
Leading the way is linebacker Arvell Reese, projected third overall to the Arizona Cardinals. Chadwick notes that while Arizona “also needs a quarterback,” there “isn’t one worth taking here,” making Reese “one of the top defenders available.” Reese is described as an “impressive downhill defender,” with eight sacks, an 86.5 PFF run defense grade, and the versatility to play either off the ball or on the edge.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Carnell Tate is slotted fifth overall to the New York Giants. Chadwick highlights Tate’s efficiency and polish, pointing out that his 88.6 PFF grade ranks among the nation’s best, while his 151.8 passer rating when targeted leads all FBS wide receivers. Tate projects as a true X receiver capable of transforming an NFL passing game.
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Defensively, safety Caleb Downs is projected seventh overall to Washington. Chadwick writes that Downs “has been an elite player ever since he arrived in college football,” producing a 93.6 career PFF grade and emerging as one of the premier safety prospects in recent memory. Linebacker Sonny Styles, projected 15th to Tampa Bay, rounds out the group after earning grades above 85.0 in both coverage and run defense.
Chadwick also notes that defensive tackle Kayden McDonald could climb into the first round, and with Ohio State tight end Max Klare declaring for the draft, the Buckeyes could find themselves on the doorstep of the NCAA record with six first round selections.
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Coming off a historic year with 14 total draft picks, a school and Big Ten record, Ohio State is once again flirting with history as April approaches.
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Category: General Sports
