Four standout players from Ohio State are poised to make history at the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, safety Caleb Downs, and wide receiver Carnell Tate are all projected to be among the Top 10 draft picks. Should this occur, it would mark the first time in college football history that a single team has four players selected in the Top 10.
This potential achievement highlights the strength of Ohio State’s football program, which has developed into a powerhouse over the years. The recent introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements has further enhanced the program’s appeal, allowing it to attract top talent. According to sports analyst Max Loeb, “No College Football team has EVER had 4x players drafted in the Top 10.”
The closest precedent occurred in 2021, when three players from Alabama—DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Pat Surtain—were selected in the top 10, with a fourth, Mac Jones, going shortly thereafter. All of these players have since excelled in the NFL, with Surtain winning the Defensive Player of the Year award last season. Given their talent, it is anticipated that Styles, Reese, Downs, and Tate will also have successful professional careers.
Analysts are optimistic about the likelihood of this historic draft outcome. Most mock drafts feature all four Ohio State players being picked within the Top 10, with some experts predicting they could be selected within just six picks of each other. Notable analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has underscored this possibility, citing the players’ exceptional skills and potential.
Adding to Ohio State’s impressive roster, two more players are expected to make waves in next year’s draft. Jeremiah Smith, regarded as one of the nation’s top receivers since his freshman year, and quarterback Julian Sayin, who is seen as potentially the most NFL-ready quarterback in college, could both be selected in the Top 5.
The Ohio State football program’s success reflects its strategic development of talent, creating an environment that attracts elite high school prospects. As the program continues to excel, many will be watching to see how long this trend can sustain itself and whether another university can rival its achievements in producing top-tier NFL talent.
