Buckeyesโ Draft Dominance: Ohio State Sets Program Record with 14 Picks in a Single Draft, Cementing Their Status as a College Football Powerhouse
In an extraordinary display of depth, talent, and player development, the Ohio State Buckeyes have made history by setting a program record with 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. This stunning achievement not only underscores the Buckeyesโ elite status in college football but also reinforces their reputation as one of the top pipelines to the NFL.
The previous Ohio State record stood at 12 draft picks, achieved in 2004 and matched in 2016. Now, in 2025, that bar has been raisedโsolidifying head coach Ryan Dayโs vision of building not just a championship-caliber team, but a program that develops pros at every position.
A Testament to Player Development
The 14 Buckeyes drafted this year span both sides of the ballโquarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive linemen, defensive backs, and front-seven defendersโdemonstrating the comprehensive strength of the program. Standouts include:
QB Kyle McCord โ 1st Round, Las Vegas Raiders
WR Emeka Egbuka โ 1st Round, Minnesota Vikings
CB Denzel Burke โ 2nd Round, New Orleans Saints
DE J.T. Tuimoloau โ 2nd Round, Seattle Seahawks
LB Tommy Eichenberg โ 3rd Round, Pittsburgh Steelers
Several other Buckeyes were selected in the mid-to-late rounds, a testament to the teamโs depth and the coaching staffโs ability to prepare even rotational players for the next level.
โIโm proud of every single one of them,โ said Ryan Day. โTheyโve represented this university with class and toughness, and now theyโre ready to represent us on Sundays.โ
The NFL Trusts Ohio State
What makes this feat even more significant is the NFLโs consistent trust in Ohio State talent. For over a decade, the Buckeyes have produced pro-ready athletes who go on to make immediate impacts. Names like Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Marshon Lattimore, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave are now staples in the leagueโand this class looks poised to follow in their footsteps.
Several NFL general managers spoke glowingly about Ohio Stateโs preparation standards, noting that Buckeye prospects arrive โwell-coached, technically sound, and mentally tough.โ
Recruiting Boost and Program Prestige
This record-breaking draft class will undoubtedly pay dividends on the recruiting trail. Top high school prospects are watchingโand they now have another reason to choose Columbus.
โYou come to Ohio State to compete for championships and get to the league,โ said athletic director Gene Smith. โThis draft class is living proof of that promise.โ
The Buckeyes’ ability to develop talent at such a high level across multiple recruiting classes also reflects a culture of accountability, competition, and excellenceโvalues that are clearly translating from the college level to the professional ranks.
A Standard of Excellence
As Ohio State eyes another national championship run in the upcoming season, this draft success adds even more momentum and national respect. The Buckeyes arenโt just stacking winsโtheyโre building legacies.
And with 14 new NFL players in 2025, Ohio Stateโs legacy just got even stronger.
From Columbus to CantonโBuckeyes donโt just play the game. They change it.
