Could Ohio State Make History with Four Top 10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Could Ohio State Make History with Four Top 10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
With the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh just days away, the buzz surrounding the Ohio State Buckeyes has reached a fever pitch. Analysts and scouts are pointing toward a potentially historic night for the program, as a record-breaking four Buckeyes are currently projected to be selected within the top ten picks. The quartet of Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Carnell Tate has transformed the draft narrative into a celebration of Columbus-bred talent, with some suggesting Ohio State could become only the third school ever to achieve such a feat, joining the ranks of 1967 Michigan State and 1943 Notre Dame.
The defensive side of the ball is where the Buckeyes truly shine this cycle. Arvell Reese, the explosive edge rusher, is widely considered a lock for the top five. His combination of bend and raw power has drawn comparisons to the Bosa brothers, though many believe his ceiling is even higher. Reese's performance throughout the 2025 season was a masterclass in disruption, frequently necessitating double teams that still failed to contain him. Across from him, the versatility of Sonny Styles has NFL general managers salivating. Moving from safety to a hybrid linebacker role, Styles proved he can cover tight ends like a cornerback while stopping the run with the ferocity of a veteran middle linebacker.
The Safest Bet in the Draft: Caleb Downs
While the edge rushers grab the headlines, Caleb Downs is being hailed by many as the safest prospect in the entire 2026 class. Having transferred into the program and immediately establishing himself as the vocal leader of the secondary, Downs has shown an uncanny ability to diagnose plays before they develop. His visit with the Dallas Cowboys, who hold the No. 12 pick, suggests that teams may be looking to trade up to secure his services. Downs finished his collegiate career with a flourish, providing a steady hand in a secondary that was often the only thing standing between opponents and the end zone during high-stakes Big Ten matchups.
Carnell Tate: The Next Elite Buckeye Receiver
On the offensive side, Carnell Tate is poised to continue the tradition of Ohio State wideouts dominating the first round. Despite playing in a crowded room alongside other future stars, Tate’s 2025 campaign solidified his status as a premier route runner with elite hands. Scouts have noted his exceptional body control and ability to create separation at the line of scrimmage. While his 40-yard dash time of 4.53 at the combine was slightly slower than some expected, Tate’s game film tells a much more impressive story of football speed and contested-catch dominance.
Reflecting on a Talented Roster
The irony of this draft dominance is not lost on Buckeyes fans. Despite a roster that many called a "professional-style" unit, the team’s last game result was a disappointing loss in the Big Ten Championship to the Indiana Hoosiers, followed by a premature exit from the College Football Playoff. The 2025 squad finished with high-level stats across the board, but the lack of a national title has left some wondering why all that NFL talent didn't translate into hardware. However, for the players themselves, the focus is now on April 23, where the Scarlet and Gray are expected to paint Pittsburgh in their colors.
As spring practice continues in Columbus for the next generation of stars like Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin, the 2026 draft class leaves behind a legacy of individual brilliance. If Reese, Downs, Styles, and Tate all hear their names called in the first ten picks, it will be a testament to the program's unparalleled ability to develop elite-level prospects for the next level.
