Former Ohio State Buckeyes Star Already Being Labeled an NFL Bust After Disappointing Start to Professional Football Career
The journey from college stardom to NFL greatness is one paved with equal parts promise and pressure. For many former Ohio State Buckeyes, the transition has historically been smooth, with numerous alumni turning their success in Columbus into fruitful NFL careers. But for one highly touted Buckeye, the professional transition has not gone as planned—and the dreaded “bust” label is already starting to stick.
The player in question was once viewed as a can’t-miss prospect, a physical specimen with rare athleticism and pedigree. Draft experts projected him as a future Pro Bowler and cornerstone player for the franchise that selected him. But after a rocky start in the NFL filled with underwhelming performances, injuries, and questions about his development, national media and analysts are beginning to suggest what many fans have feared: he may not live up to the lofty expectations that followed him out of Ohio State.
Every year, NFL teams invest millions in scouting and development, banking on the idea that top college performers will replicate that success against the world’s best athletes. The former Buckeye in question was drafted in the first round, a signal of elite confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact. His combination of speed, strength, and football IQ was supposed to be the total package. On paper, he checked every box.
But the NFL isn’t played on paper.
His rookie season quickly turned into a learning experience riddled with growing pains. From mental mistakes to blown assignments, from being out of position to not producing on the stat sheet, the former Buckeye struggled to find consistency. Though his coaching staff publicly defended his development, insiders noted that his reps were reduced in critical moments, and at times, he seemed overwhelmed by the speed and complexity of the professional game.
To be clear, not every slow start is indicative of a bust. Some players take a few years to adjust, and the league is full of late bloomers who struggled early. But in this player’s case, the warning signs are stacking up quickly. What’s most concerning is that rather than showing steady improvement, his performance has plateaued—or even regressed.
In training camp leading into his sophomore NFL season, the former Buckeye was expected to take a leap. Coaches spoke about a “big offseason” and “more comfort in the system,” but when preseason games rolled around, the flashes were still few and far between. He was beaten repeatedly in drills and failed to separate himself in the depth chart competition. By the time the regular season kicked off, he was no longer seen as a rising star, but rather a rotational player fighting to keep his spot.
One NFL analyst recently said on national television, “You can’t teach talent, and he has plenty, but talent isn’t enough in this league. He’s got to show he wants it, because right now, we’re not seeing that.” The comment sparked debate online but reflected a sentiment that’s becoming more common in NFL circles.
Some fans argue that he’s being judged too harshly, too quickly. After all, not every college superstar can dominate in Year 1 or even Year 2. Others point out that he’s been put in a scheme that doesn’t suit his strengths, or that he hasn’t had the coaching support necessary to thrive. And while all of those may be valid points, the NFL is a results-driven league. Fair or not, players are judged on performance, not potential.
The former Buckeye’s college résumé only raises expectations. At Ohio State, he was a force. He dominated opponents, earned All-American honors, and was considered one of the top players in the country at his position. He thrived on big stages, whether it was rivalry games against Michigan, Big Ten Championship clashes, or College Football Playoff matchups. That pedigree made his draft stock soar—and also magnified his current NFL struggles.
When a player like that fails to make an immediate impact, disappointment is amplified tenfold. Fans of his NFL team start to compare him to other players selected in the same draft class—some of whom are already thriving. Media outlets begin labeling him as a “reach” or “developmental liability.” And while it’s true that pressure can either break a player or forge them into something greater, this particular Buckeye is trending in the wrong direction.
There are several contributing factors to his slow NFL start, and not all of them fall squarely on his shoulders. Injuries have played a role, limiting his availability and disrupting his rhythm. Some teammates and coaches have privately noted that he hasn’t fully adjusted to the physical toll of the NFL season, which is significantly more demanding than the college schedule. Mentally, the transition from college schemes to complex NFL systems can take time, especially at positions that require reading and reacting quickly.
Despite those challenges, the clock is ticking. NFL rosters are constantly in flux, and teams aren’t shy about replacing underperforming players—even highly drafted ones. With a new wave of rookies entering the league each season, roster spots are never guaranteed. For this former Buckeye, the next season may be make-or-break.
Still, all hope is not lost. His raw ability remains, and several respected coaches believe he can still develop into a quality starter. But it will require a significant mental reset, a commitment to film study, improved work habits, and perhaps even a fresh start with a new position coach or team. If he’s willing to embrace that challenge, he still has time to rewrite his narrative.
It’s important to remember that the “bust” label, while damaging, is not permanent. There are examples throughout NFL history of players who were counted out early in their careers, only to emerge as Pro Bowlers or even All-Pros later. Quarterbacks, receivers, pass rushers, and defensive backs have all experienced that arc. But turning that around requires humility, drive, and self-awareness—qualities the former Buckeye must now show in abundance.
The situation also presents a case study for how NFL franchises evaluate and develop talent. Did his team fail him with the wrong system? Was he overdrafted based on college production rather than translatable traits? Or has he simply not put in the work required at the next level? Likely, it’s a combination of all three. But only one person can change the narrative now—and that’s the player himself.
As he enters another critical offseason, the questions are louder than ever. Can he evolve his game? Can he prove the doubters wrong? Will he live up to the expectations that once seemed so inevitable? For the former Buckeye, the answers will determine not just how fans and analysts view him—but whether he has a future in the NFL at all.
Ohio State has long been a pipeline of NFL excellence, and for the vast majority of its players, that legacy has continued seamlessly. But for every superstar, there’s a story like this—of a player whose promise fizzled under the weight of the professional spotlight. The challenge now is whether this Buckeye can claw his way back and turn potential into performance.
Until then, fair or not, the “bust” label will continue to follow him. And in the NFL, once that label sticks, it takes more than just talent to shake it loose.
