Buckeye Breakfast: Two Ohio State football players are anticipated to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes are poised to continue their legacy of producing elite talent for the professional ranks. While the 2025 draft saw several Buckeyes selected in the first round, the 2026 class is shaping up to be even more impressive, with two standout players expected to be among the top picks.
One of the most highly anticipated prospects is Caleb Downs, a safety who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State. Downs is widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in the nation and is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His exceptional skills and leadership on the field have made him a standout player for the Buckeyes, and his transition to Ohio State has only enhanced his draft stock.
Another Buckeye expected to be selected in the first round is Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver who has been a key contributor to Ohio State’s high-powered offense. Egbuka’s combination of speed, agility, and hands has made him a favorite target for Buckeyes quarterbacks. His performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched by NFL scouts, and he is anticipated to be a first-round selection in the 2026 draft.
These two players exemplify the caliber of talent that Ohio State continues to produce, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a pipeline to the NFL. As the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer, all eyes will be on Caleb Downs and Emeka Egbuka, among others, as they look to make their mark at the professional level.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 2025 NFL Draft saw 14 players from Ohio State football get selected, falling one short of Georgia’s all-time record for a single class.
Of the 14 Buckeyes, four — Emeka Egbuka, Donovan Jackson, Tyleik Williams and Josh Simmons — went in the first round. A recent projection from CBS Sports has two Ohio State players going in the first round of next year’s draft.
In a recent mock draft, safety Caleb Downs was projected to go 10th overall to the New England Patriots. Receiver Carnell Tate landed at 14th overall to the Dallas Cowboys.
Downs, who transferred to OSU from Alabama ahead of the 2024 season, would become the first safety from Ohio State taken in the first round since the Colts drafted Malik Hooker in 2017.Tate would extend the Buckeyes’ streak at receiver. Ohio State has had a first-round pick at the position every year since 2022.
