Skull Session: Will Howard and Jack Sawyer Will Reunite in Pittsburgh, Emeka Egbuka Leaves the Bucks for the Bucs, and the Arizona Cardinals Become the Arizona Buckeyes

In one of the most Buckeye-flavored drafts in recent memory, multiple Ohio State stars found new homes, some even reuniting with familiar faces and programs that are increasingly loaded with Columbus’ finest. Let’s dive into three huge storylines that emerged: the Pittsburgh Steelers turning into a Buckeye reunion spot, Emeka Egbuka starting a new chapter in Tampa Bay, and the Arizona Cardinals practically becoming an Ohio State satellite campus in the desert.

When Will Howard announced his decision to transfer to Ohio State for the 2024 season, it was clear the Buckeyes were getting a seasoned quarterback who had leadership, arm strength, and the “it” factor to push them toward a national championship. While the season didn’t end with a title, Howard’s connection with his teammates — particularly on the defensive side of the ball — grew immensely. One of those bonds was with Jack Sawyer, the hard-nosed defensive end who embodied Buckeye toughness.

Fast-forward to April 2025, and both Howard and Sawyer find themselves drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Howard was selected in the fourth round, a bit later than some analysts projected, but a perfect fit for a Steelers organization in transition. With Russell Wilson aging and Kenny Pickett traded earlier in the offseason, the Steelers were searching for a long-term solution. Howard isn’t guaranteed the starting role in year one, but the path is clear: sit, learn, and eventually compete to become Pittsburgh’s new face under center.

Sawyer, meanwhile, was taken in the second round, a pick that Steelers fans lauded almost immediately. The franchise has a proud tradition of elite pass-rushers — think James Harrison, T.J. Watt, Joey Porter — and Sawyer fits that lineage. His relentless motor, combined with improved technique and hand usage during his final year at Ohio State, made him one of the best edge defenders on the board.

The reunion in Pittsburgh is more than just a feel-good story. It’s a strategic advantage. Chemistry matters in the NFL, especially for young players adjusting to the professional grind. Having a familiar face in the locker room eases the transition. Expect Howard and Sawyer to lean on each other as they navigate rookie minicamp, organized team activities (OTAs), and eventually, NFL Sundays.

Head coach Mike Tomlin, who has long admired Ohio State’s culture under Ryan Day and previously Urban Meyer, praised both players:

“These guys come from a program that preaches toughness, accountability, and high standards. They’re ready for the Pittsburgh way.”

If Howard blossoms into a starting quarterback and Sawyer becomes the next great Steelers pass rusher, Buckeye fans might just have to buy some black and gold gear — begrudgingly, of course.

There was never much doubt that Emeka Egbuka would be a first-round pick, even after an injury-plagued 2024 season. His body of work from 2022 and 2023 — when he was one of the nation’s most reliable and explosive wideouts — spoke volumes. Sure enough, on draft night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers called his name with the No. 26 overall pick.

Tampa Bay desperately needed another playmaker to complement Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. With Baker Mayfield returning after a resurgent 2024 campaign, the Bucs wanted to give him another weapon to stretch the field and threaten defenses vertically and horizontally. Egbuka fits that bill perfectly.

What makes Egbuka special isn’t just his athleticism, although that’s a huge part of it. It’s his versatility. He’s equally effective operating from the slot or lining up outside. He’s a crisp route-runner, shows elite body control on contested catches, and has deceptive speed that allows him to turn short passes into long gains.

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht was effusive in his praise after the pick:

“Emeka is a professional already. His football IQ, his preparation habits, and his drive to get better every day — that’s what made him the right pick for us.”

For Egbuka, the opportunity in Tampa Bay is tailor-made. The Buccaneers’ offense is built around spreading defenses out, and with defenses often doubling Evans, Egbuka will get favorable matchups against second and third corners. It’s easy to imagine him racking up 70-80 catches and pushing 1,000 yards as a rookie.

One lingering question: could he eventually take over as Tampa Bay’s WR1? With Evans turning 32 during the 2025 season, the Bucs are thinking long-term. Egbuka could be the bridge between eras — the face of a new Tampa Bay offense built for the future.

You almost have to laugh at this point. The Arizona Cardinals aren’t just drafting Ohio State players — they’re practically building their roster around them.

In the 2025 NFL Draft alone, Arizona selected two more Buckeyes: cornerback Denzel Burke and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. They join a roster already featuring Paris Johnson Jr. (drafted sixth overall in 2023) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (fourth overall in 2024). Not to mention that Arizona also hired several staffers this offseason with Ohio State ties.

It’s no secret why Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon are so obsessed with Buckeyes. Simply put: Ohio State develops pros. Their players are used to competition, spotlight pressure, and maintaining elite standards year after year. It’s a built-in vetting process.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Cardinals’ Buckeye infusion:

• Paris Johnson Jr. is entrenched as the franchise left tackle.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to be the team’s WR1 immediately — and potentially the best receiver in the NFL within a few seasons.
• Denzel Burke brings much-needed stability to a shaky secondary. His technique, physicality, and ability to mirror top receivers make him a day-one starter.
• Tommy Eichenberg provides a downhill thumper in the middle of the defense, the kind of no-nonsense linebacker Gannon loves for his hybrid schemes.

And rumor has it that the Cardinals pursued other Buckeye free agents during the offseason as well.

Ohio State fans have already jokingly suggested rebranding the franchise:

“Arizona Buckeyes — Scarlet and Silver Edition.”

Jokes aside, this is smart team-building. Drafting players from winning programs helps build a winning culture. It creates expectations inside the locker room. Arizona hasn’t had much of that in recent years, but their 2025 draft class — and their deep Buckeye influence — could finally turn the tide.

There’s a broader conversation to be had here about why so many Ohio State players succeed in the NFL.

First, it’s about preparation. The demands inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center mirror the pros. Film study, technique development, strength and conditioning — every aspect of the Buckeye experience is designed to prepare players for the next level.

Second, it’s about talent. Ohio State consistently recruits five-star athletes who are used to competing against other future NFL stars every day in practice. The iron-sharpens-iron mentality is real in Columbus.

Third, it’s about mindset. Whether it’s Ryan Day now or Urban Meyer before him, Ohio State coaches have preached resilience, professionalism, and toughness. Those qualities translate beautifully to the grind of an NFL season.

NFL decision-makers have noticed. That’s why it wasn’t surprising to see Ohio State once again lead all schools with 11 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

• TreVeyon Henderson, after a resurgent final year in Columbus, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round. He’ll add another gear to an already blisteringly fast offense.
• JT Tuimoloau landed with the Chicago Bears, giving them another strong piece in the trenches as they rebuild around Caleb Williams.
• Donovan Jackson, the versatile offensive lineman, went to the Los Angeles Chargers in the late first round. He’ll be tasked with protecting Justin Herbert.
• Tyleik Williams surprised some by slipping into the third round, but Washington nabbed a steal. His upside as a disruptive interior lineman is massive.

And don’t be surprised if undrafted Buckeyes like Xavier Johnson and Cody Simon stick on NFL rosters as well. The pipeline never stops.

For Buckeye Nation, the 2025 NFL Draft was more than just a celebration of individual talent. It was a statement: Ohio State remains one of the best NFL factories in college football.

From Pittsburgh to Tampa Bay to Arizona — and countless spots in between — the scarlet and gray influence grows stronger every year. Whether it’s Will Howard and Jack Sawyer reuniting in Steel City, Emeka Egbuka lighting up Raymond James Stadium, or the Cardinals morphing into the Arizona Buckeyes, one thing is clear:

The NFL runs through Columbus.

And for the thousands of Buckeye fans across the country, Sundays just got a whole lot more exciting.