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Ohio State Nets 11 Draftees, Including 11th-Pick Downs

4/28/2026

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Summary

Ohio State Drafted

Ohio State had 11 players drafted in the 2026 NFL draft, while its spring practice ended two weekends ago.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick.
The Atlanta Falcons took Ohio State lineman Ethan Onianwa at 231st overall in the seventh round.
The Cleveland Browns drafted Ohio State end Joe Royer in the fifth round after his 50-catch, 521-yard season at Cincinnati.

Summary

Day Pushes Draft

Coach Ryan Day tells recruits coming to Ohio State to become first- or second-round NFL picks.
Jeremiah Smith, sole 2027 first-round lock with 2,562 yards, joins a class where twenty players finish eligibility and twenty-three may forgo years to enter the 2027 draft.
Julian Sayin, Kyle Parker, Devin McCuin and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. join linemen who must decide whether to stay or declare, though none are projected as first-round picks.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, the centennial Big Ten season saw Ohio State set a school draft record with twelve Buckeyes chosen, three in the first round and a Dallas Cowboys pick at No. 30. By 2026 the program leads all schools with 99 first-round picks and matched its single-draft high of fourteen selections, cementing its pipeline reputation.

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Ohio State Drafted

Ohio State had 11 players drafted in the 2026 NFL draft, while its spring practice ended two weekends ago.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick.
The Atlanta Falcons took Ohio State lineman Ethan Onianwa at 231st overall in the seventh round.
The Cleveland Browns drafted Ohio State end Joe Royer in the fifth round after his 50-catch, 521-yard season at Cincinnati.

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