Two Ohio State football players projected to go in first round of 2026 NFL Draft: Buckeye Breakfast

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.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football hasn’t made much movement during the spring transfer portal window, but coach Ryan Day is “excited” about the addition of defensive end Beau Atkinson.

“We think that it’s a great addition to the room — somebody who has experience, has some real size,” Day said Tuesday.

As the college football landscape heats up, Ohio State continues to showcase its prowess in developing NFL-ready talent. The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to spotlight two standout Buckeyes, both of whom are generating significant buzz among analysts and scouts alike.

First among them is quarterback Kyle McCord. After leading the Buckeyes to a successful season, McCord has emerged as one of the top prospects in college football. His impressive performance in the 2025 season, characterized by a combination of powerful arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, has drawn comparisons to current NFL stars. McCord’s ability to read defenses and make quick, intelligent decisions under pressure has analysts believing he holds the potential to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. Moreover, his leadership on and off the field has endeared him to teammates and coaches, further solidifying his status as a future cornerstone for any NFL franchise.

Joining McCord is star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a player many consider the best wide receiver prospect since recent draft classes saw stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson emerge. Harrison’s unique blend of size, speed, and agility makes him practically unstoppable. With exceptional route-running skills and the ability to win contested catches, he possesses all the tools needed to thrive in the professional game. In the 2025 season, he showcased his capabilities with an impressive highlight reel of catches, underscoring his potential to be a game-changer on any NFL roster. Teams in need of a dynamic playmaker will undoubtedly have Harrison high on their draft boards.

As both players continue to make headlines, their performance in the upcoming 2025 season will be crucial for their draft stock. Ohio State’s reputation for producing elite talent is well-known, and with the NFL’s increasing focus on the quarterback-receiver duo, McCord and Harrison could become one of the most talked-about pairings as they prepare for their pro careers. The Buckeye nation is buzzing with anticipation and pride, watching as potential first-round picks emerge from their beloved program. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on these two players, whose futures seem brighter than ever. Their journeys will serve as a testament to Ohio State’s enduring legacy in the realm of college football and professional development.