The Ohio State Buckeyes showed why they remain one of college football’s powerhouses after a massive showing at the 2025 NFL Draft. Fourteen Buckeyes heard their names called across seven rounds, making it a weekend for the reigning national champions to remember.
Leading the way for Ohio State was quarterback Will Howard, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Howard not only capped a dominant stretch for the Buckeyes but also tied the Big Ten record for most players drafted from a single program.
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Ohio State had 13 of their 14 picks come off the board within the first five rounds. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was the first Buckeye drafted, going No. 19 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day celebrates with quarterback Will Howard (18) following the 28-14 win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Then, a trio of offensive and defensive linemen, Donovan Jackson, Tyleik Williams, and Josh Simmons, all went in the first round, highlighting the depth and strength of the Buckeyes’ trenches.
Ohio State wasn’t alone in having a huge draft presence. Georgia followed closely with 13 picks, while Texas wasn’t far behind with 12. Oregon had 10 selections, and Ole Miss totaled eight. Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, and Michigan all finished with seven picks each, showing how the Big Ten and SEC once again dominated the NFL talent pipeline.
Even though Ohio State’s 14 draftees were impressive, they fell just short of Georgia’s record of 15 players selected in 2022.
Still, the Buckeyes made a loud statement. Running backs Quinshon Judkins and Treveon Henderson were off the board early in the second round, heading to the Browns and Patriots, respectively.
With a national title and a record-tying draft class, it’s clear Ohio State’s place among college football’s elite isn’t changing anytime soon.
