In the 2024 NFL Draft, Ohio State only had four players selected, largely because many eligible players decided to return to school. This year, those returning players made their way to the pros, resulting in 14 Buckeyes being drafted — tying the program’s record set in 2004. According to Ohio State’s sports information office, it’s the fifth time since 1994 that the Buckeyes have sent 10 or more players to the NFL.
The draft began with four Buckeyes taken in the final 14 picks of the first round. Ohio State stayed hot into the second round, with three more players going in the first 13 picks. In total, Ohio State saw seven players selected within the first 45 picks. Eight players from their nation-leading defense were drafted.
After the first round, Ohio State led all programs with four first-round selections, thanks to a late surge. The first Buckeye picked was Emeka Egbuka, taken 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Egbuka, who broke Ohio State’s career receptions record, bounced back from a tough junior year to catch 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. He joins Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay’s offense.
At No. 24, Donovan Jackson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings. Jackson, who overcame early injuries to become a versatile lineman, played both left guard and left tackle in 2024. Over his career, he logged 1,314 pass-blocking snaps and allowed just five sacks. Now he’ll be protecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy — a former Michigan rival — in Minnesota.
Tyleik Williams went 28th overall to the Detroit Lions. Williams, a defensive tackle who benefited from returning for another season, showcased his disruptive play style and finished the year with eight tackles for loss. Scouts see him as a prospect loaded with upside.
Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs, after a trade down, picked up offensive tackle Josh Simmons. The San Diego State transfer turned into an All-American candidate before an injury cut his season short. If his medicals clear, Simmons could become one of the draft’s top linemen.
Three Buckeyes Taken on Day Two
The second round continued strong for Ohio State. With a pick acquired from a trade with Jacksonville, the Cleveland Browns drafted running back Quinshon Judkins at No. 36. A physical runner, Judkins led the Buckeyes in carries and touchdowns and capped his college career with a three-score performance in the national championship.
Just two picks later, running back TreVeyon Henderson went to the New England Patriots. Henderson, the team’s leading rusher, was a key part of Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl victory.
At pick No. 45, defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau was selected by the Indianapolis Colts. After modest production his first three seasons, Tuimoloau exploded in 2024 with 21.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks, making him a top pass-rush prospect.
Three More in the Fourth Round
After a lull, linebacker Cody Simon was taken by the Arizona Cardinals with pick No. 115. A team captain and “Block O” recipient, Simon filled the stat sheet with 113 tackles, 13 TFLs, and seven sacks.
Ohio State then had back-to-back selections: Safety Lathan Ransom went to the Carolina Panthers at No. 122, bringing strong run support skills and a knack for forcing fumbles. Right after, defensive end Jack Sawyer was picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sawyer, a College Football Playoff hero, is remembered for his critical strip-sack in the Cotton Bowl and finished the season with nine sacks.
Fifth-Round Haul
In the fifth round, three more Buckeyes were drafted. Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton went to the Los Angeles Rams with the 148th pick, following a career year where he emerged as a key playmaker on the defensive line.
At pick No. 170, the Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Jordan Hancock. A reliable slot corner, Hancock tallied three interceptions over his final two seasons and returned one for a 94-yard touchdown.
Just four picks later, the Arizona Cardinals added Denzel Burke. Though Burke’s stock dipped slightly, he played well overall, particularly in the College Football Playoff, and proved he can lock down top receivers.
Tying the Draft Record
Heading into the draft, expectations were for 15 Buckeyes to be selected. Ultimately, 14 players were picked, with quarterback Will Howard going to the Steelers at No. 185. Although Howard wasn’t viewed as a top QB prospect, he demonstrated steady play and improved deep-ball accuracy, giving him a real shot to compete for playing time in Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, Seth McLaughlin, Gee Scott Jr., and Josh Fryar went undrafted. However, all three quickly signed free agent deals: McLaughlin joined the Bengals, Fryar reunited with his old offensive line coach in Arizona, and Scott signed with New England.
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