Full Breakdown
Ohio State’s Record-Breaking 2026 NFL Draft Performance
4/26/2026, 12:13:46 PM
Draft Overview: Numbers and Selection Points
Ohio State logged 11 draft selections, amassing 1,871 Selection Points—a metric that assigns descending values from 250 points for the No. 1 pick down to 1 point for the final pick. The Buckeyes placed second in the national Selection Points ranking, behind Texas A&M (1,551 points). The SEC led all conferences with 87 total picks. Ohio State’s first-round haul included Carnell Tate (4th, Titans), Arvell Reese (5th, Giants), Sonny Styles (7th, Commanders) and Caleb Downs (11th, Cowboys). Later rounds added Kayden McDonald (36th, Texans), Max Klare (61st, Rams), Davison Igbinosun (62nd, Dolphins), Will Kacmarek (87th, Dolphins), Lorenzo Styles Jr. (172nd, Saints), Caden Curry (214th, Colts) and Ethan Onianwa (231st, Falcons).
Background: Selection Points Formula and Buckeye History
Created in 2021, the Selection Points system values each draft slot fractionally less than the preceding one, mirroring the draft’s diminishing returns. Ohio State’s 2025 class earned 2,225 points, the highest ever; the 2026 class, while lower, still ranks among the top-10 all-time classes since 2001. The program posted a record seven first- and second-round picks for the second straight year.
Key Draft Picks and Their Draft Positions
- Carnell Tate – OT, No. 4, Tennessee Titans
- Arvell Reese – LB, No. 5, New York Giants
- Sonny Styles – LB, No. 7, Washington Commanders
- Caleb Downs – S, No. 11, Dallas Cowboys
- Kayden McDonald – DT, No. 36, Houston Texans
- Max Klare – TE, No. 61, Los Angeles Rams
- Davison Igbinosun – CB, No. 62, Buffalo Bills
- Will Kacmarek – TE, No. 87, Miami Dolphins
- Lorenzo Styles Jr. – S, No. 172, New Orleans Saints
- Caden Curry – DE, No. 214, Indianapolis Colts
- Ethan Onianwa – OT, No. 231, Atlanta Falcons
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised the depth of the roster, noting the draft “reflects the sustained excellence of our program and the development work done by our staff.” The New Orleans Saints highlighted Styles Jr.’s 4.27-second 40-yard dash and special-teams versatility as primary reasons for his selection. The Indianapolis Colts described Curry as a “high-upside pass rusher with a proven sack record.” The Atlanta Falcons called Onianwa a “project with upside given his size and athleticism.”
Criticism & Opposition
ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg mistakenly identified New York Giants rookie Denzel Boston as the son of former Ohio State star David Boston, prompting criticism of the network’s fact-checking. Greenberg later apologized for the error.
Conflicting Reports on Total Buckeye Selections
Sources differ on the final count: some report nine players drafted, others ten, and a few cite eleven selections. The discrepancy stems from varying cut-off times for reporting and whether late-round picks were included.
Impact on Ohio State Football and Recruiting
The draft’s depth reinforces Ohio State’s reputation as the nation’s premier talent pipeline, bolstering recruiting leverage and sustaining the SEC’s dominance in producing NFL talent. The program’s ability to place multiple players in early rounds signals continued attractiveness to elite high-school prospects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” — Kayden McDonald, defensive tackle, Houston Texans
- “You remember his dad, David Boston, first round pick out of Ohio State in 1999.” — Mike Greenberg, ESPN analyst
- “It started a couple years before with some of those goal-line stands,” — Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach (on McDonald)
- “I know I’m supposed to be here. I’m just so blessed and thankful.” — Kayden McDonald (post-draft interview)
What’s Next for the Buckeye Draftees
All eleven players will report to rookie minicamps in May, with the first round of NFL training camps beginning in late July. Ohio State’s remaining draft-eligible players—DT Tywone Malone, RB CJ Donaldson, LB Joey Velazquez, K Jayden Fielding, LS Colin Johnson and LS John Ferlmann—continue to attract NFL interest as undrafted free agents.
