Six draft-eligible Buckeyes still weighing the NFL, and what to expect

Every offseason at Ohio State brings roster churn, but few moments are as pivotal as the draft decisions made by key draft-eligible players. With eligibility remaining and NFL projections rising, these choices shape not only individual careers but also the Buckeyes’ roster math for the following season.

This year, six draft eligible Buckeyes still sit squarely at that crossroads.

Here’s where each stands, and what I expect them to do.

Return Candidates: stability, opportunity, and one more season

Max Klare — Return

Klare’s steady rise as a reliable tight end has been vital for Ohio State, but his value next season could be even greater.

After transferring from Purdue, where he was already on NFL radars, another strong campaign in Columbus could catapult him toward the first or second round after a relatively average season this past year. With Julian Sayin continuing to grow and elite receivers commanding defensive attention, Klare is positioned for a bigger statistical leap.

Ohio State’s NIL infrastructure makes a return financially viable, and another year as a featured piece in a playoff offense could significantly boost his draft stock. This feels like a classic “bet on yourself” return.

Austin Siereveld — Return

Sierveld’s decision feels rooted in projection more than production. While he has played tackle, his NFL future almost certainly lies at guard. A return could allow him to settle into that role, refine technique, and present scouts with cleaner tape at his projected position.

With offensive line turnover looming, Sierveld could anchor the interior next season while setting himself up as a safer draft evaluation.

Kenyatta Jackson Jr. — Return

Jackson flashes NFL traits, but the production has not yet matched the athletic upside. Ohio State’s NIL support makes staying financially reasonable, and another year could turn potential into consistency.

With edge depth thinning and more opportunities in key situations available, Jackson is positioned to make an even bigger impact this coming season. One that could elevate him from an intriguing prospect to a can’t-miss player.

Jermaine Mathews Jr. — Return

This is the most straightforward call of the group.

Mathews is an Ohio native, entrenched in the program, and clearly part of the Buckeyes’ short-term plans at corner. The recent portal additions of Aaron Scott and Bryce West in the secondary strongly suggest Ohio State expects Mathews back.

Everything about the situation points toward another season in Columbus.

Tough calls, but the NFL wins

Kayden McDonald — NFL Draft

This is the hardest one to project emotionally, and also one of the easiest logically. There has been real buzz about McDonald potentially returning, and it’s understandable why Ohio State fans would hope for it. But McDonald is a guaranteed first-round pick and very likely a top-20 selection.

When that level of certainty exists, passing on the draft becomes nearly impossible. Another year wouldn’t meaningfully raise his ceiling, but it could introduce risk. The smart move for him, even if it’s not what we want, is leaving now.

Arvell Reese — NFL Draft(Reese officially declared on Thursday)

Reese’s decision is even clearer. He’s being discussed as a potential top-three pick and is widely viewed as a lock for the top 15. At that point, returning to college offers little upside.

Developmentally, financially, and professionally, the NFL is the correct next step. Reese has already proven what he needs to prove, and another season would only expose him to unnecessary risk in my opinion.

The bigger picture

If these projections hold, Ohio State would retain key veterans at tight end, offensive line, edge, and corner while losing elite top-end talent on defense, a tradeoff the Buckeyes are structurally built to handle. NIL has shifted the calculus for borderline prospects, but it hasn’t changed the reality for players projected at the very top of the draft.

For Ohio State, this is the new normal, convincing the middle tier to stay while celebrating the stars who are ready to move on.