If you’ve watched a single Sunday of professional football lately, you’ve basically seen a Columbus satellite camp. It’s unavoidable. Whether it’s C.J. Stroud carving up a secondary in Houston or Jaxon Smith-Njigba putting up video game numbers in Seattle, the presence of Ohio State football players nfl rosters is at an all-time fever pitch.
Honestly, it’s getting a little ridiculous.
As of January 2026, the numbers are staggering. We are looking at roughly 60 former Buckeyes currently drawing an NFL paycheck. That’s not just "representation." That’s a hostile takeover. When the playoffs kicked off this month, 23 former Buckeyes were listed on postseason rosters across 11 different teams. If you’re a betting person, you literally can't watch a playoff game this year without seeing a "Block O" alum on the field.
The Stroud Effect and the New Era of Buckeye QBs
For decades, the knock on Ohio State was that they couldn’t produce a "real" NFL quarterback. People loved to bring up Art Schlichter or the struggles of some early-2000s dual threats. But C.J. Stroud basically deleted that narrative with a flamethrower.
In the 2025 season, Stroud threw for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the Texans to their third straight playoff appearance. He’s not just a "system guy." He is the system. And he’s not alone in the QB room anymore. We just saw Will Howard get drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, and Justin Fields is still out there making plays for the New York Jets.
It’s a weird time for the haters. You can’t really say Ohio State is a "running school" when their quarterbacks are the ones winning division titles.
Why Wide Receiver U is a Real Thing
You've probably heard the term "Wide Receiver U" thrown around. Usually, it’s a bunch of fans arguing on Twitter. But the data for Ohio State football players nfl success at receiver is getting hard to ignore.
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Look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The guy just led the NFL in receiving yards for the 2025 season with 1,793 yards. That’s not a typo. He’s the frontrunner for Offensive Player of the Year. Behind him, you’ve got Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave consistently putting up 1,000-yard seasons like it’s a chore they’re doing on a Saturday morning.
And the pipeline didn't stop. The 2025 NFL Draft saw Emeka Egbuka go 19th overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He immediately broke out, continuing that trend of Buckeyes being "pro-ready" the second they walk into a facility. It’s almost like Brian Hartline is running a secret laboratory in Columbus.
The 2025 Draft Class: A Massive Influx
Last April was a statement. Ohio State sent 14 players to the NFL in a single draft. That led the entire country.
- Emeka Egbuka (WR) - Buccaneers (Round 1)
- Donovan Jackson (OG) - Vikings (Round 1)
- Tyleik Williams (DT) - Lions (Round 1)
- Josh Simmons (OT) - Chiefs (Round 1)
- Quinshon Judkins (RB) - Browns (Round 2)
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB) - Patriots (Round 2)
- JT Tuimoloau (DE) - Colts (Round 2)
Seeing TreVeyon Henderson land in New England was a personal favorite. He finished his rookie year with 911 rushing yards. He’s a home run hitter. Then you have Jack Sawyer, who slipped to the 4th round but ended up being a rotational nightmare for the Steelers, even snagging two interceptions as a defensive end.
The Defensive Wall: From Bosa to Burke
While the offense gets the TikTok highlights, the defensive side of the Ohio State football players nfl contingent is where the real grit lives.
Nick Bosa and Joey Bosa are the elder statesmen now, which feels weird to say. Joey is still a force for the Bills (yes, the Bills—seeing him in that jersey takes some getting used to), while Nick remains the heartbeat of the Niners' front when he's healthy.
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But keep an eye on the young guys. Lathan Ransom has been a massive playmaker for the Panthers, even if he gets flagged for being a little too aggressive sometimes. He had a game-winning pick against Tampa Bay in Week 16 that basically saved their season. And Denzel Burke is already lockdown in Arizona.
The Cardinals are basically "Ohio State West" at this point. They have Burke, Paris Johnson Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., Cody Simon, and Josh Fryar. If you're a Buckeye fan living in Phoenix, you're having a great time.
What Most People Get Wrong About Buckeye Pros
There’s this weird myth that Ohio State players peak in college. People say the "Silver Bullets" are just products of a great college scheme.
That's total nonsense.
Look at Jonathon Cooper. He was a 7th-round pick. Nobody expected him to be a star. Yet, in 2024, he put up 10.5 sacks for the Broncos. In 2025, he was the leader of a top-5 defense. These guys are grinders. Terry McLaurin (Commanders) is another one—he wasn’t a top-10 pick, but he’s widely considered one of the most respected veterans in the league.
The "bust" label that people used to slap on Buckeyes has evaporated. They are coming out with a professional mindset that coaches like Dan Campbell and Mike Tomlin clearly crave.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Draft Prospects
The cycle isn't slowing down. If anything, it’s accelerating.
Mel Kiper and the rest of the draft gurus are already drooling over the 2026 class. Caleb Downs is widely projected as a top-10 pick. He’s a safety who plays like a linebacker and covers like a corner. Then there’s Carnell Tate. He’s being called "JSN 2.0" because his route running is so polished for a kid his age.
We’re also seeing names like Arvell Reese (LB) and Sonny Styles (LB) climbing boards. Arvell is a freak of nature—6'4" and can run down a running back from the opposite sideline. He’s likely a first-rounder.
Real-World Impact: The "Buckeye Tax"
NFL GMs are starting to pay a premium for these guys. There’s a comfort level in drafting from Ryan Day’s program. You know the player has played in big games. You know they’ve dealt with the pressure of a massive fan base.
It’s not just about talent; it’s about the "pro-style" preparation. When you see Jonah Jackson anchoring the Bears' offensive line or Taylor Decker doing the same in Detroit, you realize these guys are the floor of the league. They keep the lights on.
Actionable Insights for Following Buckeyes in the League:
- Track the "Cardinals Connection": If you want to see the highest density of former OSU stars, watch Arizona. They are building their entire franchise around the Columbus pipeline.
- Monitor the WR Production: With Jaxon Smith-Njigba's historic 2025 season, expect more NFL teams to reach for Ohio State receivers earlier in the draft than ever before.
- Watch the 2026 Draft Order: Keep an eye on teams like the Giants or Jets who need perimeter help; Carnell Tate is the name you’ll hear linked to them all spring.
- Check the Playoff Rosters: As we move through January 2026, pay attention to the Steelers vs. Texans matchups—there are literally seven Buckeyes across those two rosters alone.