Buckeye Pipeline: Ohio State Shatters Program Record with Unprecedented 14 NFL Draft Picks, Cementing Elite Status

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has once again asserted its dominance on the national stage, not just on the field but also in the annual NFL Draft. In the recently concluded 2025 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes witnessed an astounding **14 of their former players selected** by professional franchises, obliterating their previous program record for the most picks in a single draft. This remarkable achievement underscores Ohio State’s unwavering commitment to recruiting and developing top-tier talent, solidifying their position as a perennial powerhouse in college football and a consistent producer of NFL-ready athletes.

 

This historic draft class surpasses the previous Ohio State record of 14 selections, set back in 2004, and firmly establishes the program as the leading supplier of talent to the NFL in this year’s draft. The sheer volume of Buckeyes chosen highlights the depth and quality of the players cultivated within the program under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Day and his dedicated coaching staff. The impressive tally of 14 draft picks was spearheaded by a strong showing in the early rounds, with four Buckeyes hearing their names called in the first round alone. This elite quartet included dynamic wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), dominant offensive guard Donovan Jackson (Minnesota Vikings), disruptive defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (Detroit Lions), and athletic offensive tackle Josh Simmons (Kansas City Chiefs). Their selection in the coveted first round not only reflects their exceptional individual abilities but also speaks volumes about the high level of coaching and preparation they received in Columbus. The second round further showcased the Buckeyes’ talent pool, with two standout running backs, Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns) and TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots), along with versatile defensive lineman JT Tuimoloau (Indianapolis Colts) joining the professional ranks. The selection of seven players within the first two rounds underscores the immediate impact these Buckeyes are expected to make at the NFL level.

The success continued into the later rounds, demonstrating the program’s ability to develop talent across various positions. Linebacker Cody Simon (Arizona Cardinals), safety Lathan Ransom (Carolina Panthers), defensive end Jack Sawyer (Pittsburgh Steelers), defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (Los Angeles Rams), cornerback Jordan Hancock (Buffalo Bills), cornerback Denzel Burke (Arizona Cardinals), and quarterback Will Howard (Pittsburgh Steelers) rounded out the impressive list of draftees. This diverse group of players represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and the exceptional coaching they received at Ohio State. This record-breaking draft performance is not an isolated event but rather a testament to the consistent excellence of the Ohio State football program. For decades, the Buckeyes have been a breeding ground for NFL talent, consistently sending players to the league who have gone on to achieve significant success. This latest achievement further solidifies their reputation as one of the premier talent-producing programs in the nation.

The ability to consistently develop and send a high volume of players to the NFL is a crucial indicator of a program’s overall health and commitment to excellence. It reflects not only the quality of the coaching and player development but also the program’s success in recruiting top-tier athletes who possess the potential to excel at the highest level of the sport. This unprecedented draft success will undoubtedly serve as a powerful recruiting tool for the Buckeyes, demonstrating to prospective student-athletes that Ohio State provides an unparalleled platform for achieving their professional football dreams. The program’s track record of producing NFL talent, now underscored by this historic draft class, will resonate with recruits and their families, further solidifying Ohio State’s position as a coveted destination for the nation’s top high school players.

In conclusion, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ remarkable achievement of having 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft is a monumental moment in the program’s storied history. It not only sets a new benchmark for the university but also serves as a resounding statement about their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster by attracting, developing, and preparing elite athletes for the highest level of competition. This “draft dominance” further cements Ohio State’s status as a true powerhouse in college football, with a legacy of success that extends far beyond the collegiate gridiron.