Ohio State undrafted free agents have the highest chance of making the NFL roster, according to Arizona Cardinals supporters.

When the NFL Draft ends and the final pick is announced, a flurry of post-draft activity immediately follows. Teams rush to sign undrafted free agents (UDFAs), hoping to unearth hidden gems who slipped through the seven-round process. For the Arizona Cardinals, this year’s post-draft UDFA signings include a few intriguing prospects—but none have garnered more buzz than the Ohio State Buckeyes who joined the team after going undrafted.

Among Cardinals fans, a narrative is building: if any undrafted players are going to crack the final 53-man roster, they’ll be Buckeyes. From their pedigree, developmental history, and on-field versatility, Ohio State’s pipeline has become one of the most trusted in college football. And even when their players slip out of the draft, fans believe they’re built for the NFL grind.

Ask any Cardinals supporter why they believe in the Ohio State UDFAs, and the answers often echo similar themes: “They’ve been battle-tested,” “They play against NFL talent every week,” and “They come from a championship program that knows how to develop pro players.”

Ohio State isn’t just a blue blood in college football; it’s arguably the best NFL talent factory outside of Alabama and Georgia. Since 2000, Ohio State has produced more than 160 NFL draft picks, including dozens of first-rounders. While those early picks receive most of the spotlight, the program’s lesser-known contributors—the ones who enter the league as UDFAs—have quietly carved out careers of their own.

Take players like Elijah Nkansah or Jamarco Jones, offensive linemen who entered the league without much fanfare but managed to stick around due to the fundamentals instilled in Columbus. Cardinals fans are hoping the same fate awaits their newest Buckeye additions.

The buzz isn’t just about school reputation—it’s about fit. The Arizona Cardinals head into the 2025 season with numerous holes still present in their depth chart. Despite a strong draft haul that addressed primary needs like offensive tackle and edge rush, the bottom half of the roster remains fluid, particularly on special teams, in the secondary, and at receiver.

Enter the Buckeyes.

The most notable Ohio State UDFA to sign with Arizona is Cam Martinez, a hybrid defensive back who played nickel and safety roles in Columbus. Known for his intelligence and versatility, Martinez is precisely the kind of Swiss Army knife defensive coordinator Nick Rallis loves to mold into a multi-role contributor.

“Martinez may not have wowed people at the Combine, but his game film speaks volumes,” said Cardinals fan and blogger Shane Sullivan. “He understands coverage schemes, tackles well, and can play three spots in the secondary. That’s the kind of player who makes a roster—especially when you need special teams help.”

Another Ohio State UDFA signed by the Cardinals is Xavier Johnson, a do-it-all offensive weapon who began his college career as a walk-on and ended it as a team captain. Johnson saw time at receiver, running back, and kick returner. If there’s a mold for the ultimate UDFA longshot, he fits it—and Arizona just might be the right team for his breakout.

The Ohio State effect can’t be measured in stats alone—it’s a reputation. Cardinals fans trust that Buckeyes enter the league with a higher football IQ and a greater capacity for growth than many of their peers.

“You don’t survive in Columbus unless you know how to compete,” said Reddit user @AZZoneBlitz. “These aren’t guys who padded stats at Group of Five schools. They’re dogs who fought every day against five-star athletes. I’ll take that guy over a small-school standout nine times out of ten.”

This sentiment isn’t unique to Arizona. Across the NFL, position coaches often praise Ohio State players for arriving “NFL-ready,” regardless of whether they were Day 1 draft picks or UDFAs. It’s a testament to the way Ryan Day and Mickey Marotti, the strength and conditioning guru, run the program. Technique, toughness, and team-first mentality are drilled into players for years. And when it’s time for a longshot to make an impression, that foundation can mean everything.

The belief in Ohio State UDFAs isn’t unfounded. History supports the notion that Buckeyes who don’t get drafted still find ways to stick. Among the most notable examples:

• Jadon Sancho (2014): An undrafted safety who played multiple seasons in the NFL, including a significant special teams role with the Colts and Titans.
• Marcus Baugh (2018): A tight end who bounced around NFL camps before landing on active rosters in Washington and Pittsburgh.
• Jake Stoneburner (2013): Another TE who stuck with the Dolphins and Packers for several seasons after going undrafted.

In each case, the common thread was adaptability and preparation. None were stars at OSU, but all were productive enough to make NFL coaches take notice—and make rosters.

The 2025 Cardinals are in the second year of a rebuild under GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon. The front office has placed a premium on youth, speed, and character, all traits emphasized during Ohio State’s recruiting and development process.

This dynamic means the Cardinals are more open than most teams to giving UDFAs real opportunities. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Arizona kept at least two UDFAs on their initial 53-man roster—one of the highest rates in the league.

In 2025, it’s possible that number could grow. With injuries to depth players and several starting spots still unsettled, particularly at safety and in the return game, the door is wide open for someone like Xavier Johnson or Cam Martinez to make a leap.

“They’re not just camp bodies,” said Cardinals radio host Mark Alvarez. “These Buckeye kids have a path. And don’t be surprised if they’re playing meaningful snaps by Week 5.”

One reason Johnson, in particular, has become a fan favorite so quickly is his story. Originally a walk-on, he worked his way up into a leadership role at one of the nation’s most competitive programs. That kind of perseverance doesn’t go unnoticed.

“He’s the type of guy who refuses to be told he can’t,” said one Cardinals fan during a live Q&A. “You give him a locker, and he’ll make the most of it.”

The walk-on mentality is often cited by NFL personnel executives as a crucial factor in a UDFA’s success. Unlike late-round picks, who often feel entitled to a spot, walk-ons and true UDFAs embrace the grind. They treat every rep as a final exam. Every practice rep matters. Every special teams assignment is a chance to stay another week.

Johnson embodies that. And Martinez, who had to battle to reclaim a role in a crowded Buckeye secondary, does too.

There’s another under-the-radar reason why Ohio State UDFAs may succeed in Arizona: the locker room culture. The Cardinals already have former Buckeyes on their roster, including Parris Campbell and defensive end Zach Harrison. Both veterans have spoken highly of the OSU developmental process and serve as built-in mentors for new additions.

In a league where relationships can determine whether you get a second look—or even a second chance—having a support network of fellow alumni can be pivotal.

“You walk into a new locker room, and there’s someone who understands you, where you came from, and how you were coached,” said Cardinals insider Tyler Drake. “That can calm nerves, open doors, and maybe even tip the scales when final roster cuts are made.”

So why are Arizona fans so bullish on their Buckeye UDFAs? It’s the perfect storm of:

• Elite college pedigree
• NFL system familiarity
• Clear roster opportunity
• Mental toughness
• Versatility and special teams value

Arizona needs players who can wear multiple hats, especially in the second and third units. Both Johnson and Martinez check those boxes. And because Ohio State players enter the league used to NFL terminology, concepts, and practice intensity, they’re able to contribute faster than UDFAs from smaller schools.

“You’re not teaching them how to practice,” said one coach familiar with Ohio State prospects. “You’re coaching them on scheme details. That’s a huge head start.”

It’s important to remember that NFL life is never guaranteed for an undrafted player. The road from UDFA signing to active roster spot is littered with cuts, camp invites, and waivers. For every Malcolm Butler or Kurt Warner, dozens of players never make it out of rookie mini-camp.

But in the eyes of Arizona Cardinals fans, if any UDFAs are going to make the 2025 roster, it’s going to be the Buckeyes. They’re betting on pedigree, preparation, and proven toughness—and hoping the stars align for another unlikely success story.

Ohio State has long been known for sending top-tier talent into the NFL. But the belief among Arizona Cardinals fans is that even its undrafted players carry the tools to succeed—especially in a franchise looking for hungry, versatile athletes to build around. Cam Martinez and Xavier Johnson won’t have an easy path. But if Cardinals Nation has its way, these Buckeyes will be breaking camp with a roster spot and a chip on their shoulders.