Ohio State had four first-round picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. Could that number be topped in 2026? Here's which prospects to watch for during the CFP.
Ranked as one of the nation's top teams all season, Ohio State has several early-round NFL draft prospects on its roster.
The Buckeyes have five players who have the potential to become first-round picks. When Ohio State faces Miami in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31, those players will have another big stage where a strong performance can improve their draft stock.
Ohio State had 14 players drafted in 2025, six offensive and eight defensive, with four Buckeyes going in the first round. Defensive players make up four of the Buckeyes' five top NFL prospects for 2026.
Ohio State football NFL draft prospects
Here are five Buckeyes playing in the Cotton Bowl widely regarded as having the most NFL potential.
Caleb Downs
Safety Caleb Downs has been a key player in Ohio State's secondary since transferring from Alabama in 2024, recording 142 tackles and four interceptions across the last two seasons.
Against Miami, Downs will likely be tasked with disrupting the connection between quarterback Carson Beck and wide receiver Malachi Toney. While Downs' draft stock is already high, as he's projected to be a top-10 pick, helping Ohio State hold Toney to anything lower than his average of over six receptions per game would further solidify Downs' draft position.
Kayden McDonald
Last season, Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 28th pick. Kayden McDonald hopes to be the next OSU player at the position to go in the first round.
If McDonald plays a key role in containing Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr, who recorded 172 yards against Texas A&M in the first round of the playoff, it would boost McDonald's draft stock.
Arvell Reese
Linebacker Arvell Reese is in the conversation to be the 2026 NFL Draft's No. 1 overall pick. This season, Reese has 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
Outside of Ohio State, no team remaining in the playoffs has allowed fewer sacks than Miami. The Hurricanes have given up just 13 sacks in 2025. Reese getting to the quarterback for the first time since Nov. 1 against Penn State would ensure his name remains in the debate for the No. 1 pick.
Sonny Styles
Linebacker Sonny Styles, a Pickerington native, leads the Buckeyes in tackles with 45.
Against Indiana during the Big Ten title game, Styles recorded a career-high 12 tackles, and a similar performance at the Cotton Bowl could improve where he lands in the draft.
Carnell Tate
Wide receiver Carnell Tate is the highest-ranked offensive prospect from Ohio State, with mock drafts on ESPN and CBS Sports projecting him to land somewhere within the top 20 picks.
After missing three games this season due to injury, Tate returned to action against Michigan on Nov. 29 and has since recorded nine catches for 127 yards. Tate having a strong performance against Miami's defense is crucial in proving he's fully past his injury.
Ohio State vs. Miami prediction
Ohio State 14, Miami 7: It took Miami until the final two minutes of its first-round matchup against Texas A&M to score a touchdown and secure a spot in the Cotton Bowl. The Hurricanes will have an even smaller margin of error going against Ohio State's top-ranked scoring defense. If Miami repeats its slow start offensively, the Buckeyes should be able to capitalize, whether OSU's defense turns an error into a touchdown or the Ohio State offense finds a moment to break through the Hurricanes' top-5 scoring defense.
Ohio State vs. Miami TV channel, time
Ohio State kicks off against Miami at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
College Football Playoff schedule 2025-26
Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
National championship: Jan. 19
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 5 Ohio State football NFL draft prospects to watch in CFP Cotton Bowl
Category: General Sports
