The NFL Rookie of the Year award has become almost synonymous with Ohio State University in recent years, and for good reason. Few programs in the nation can match the Buckeyes’ ability to churn out NFL-ready talent year after year, across multiple positions, on both sides of the football. From wide receivers and quarterbacks to defensive backs and edge rushers, Ohio State has proven time and again that it is more than just a college football powerhouse — it’s an NFL pipeline. And as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s safe to say there’s another Buckeye making a strong case to take home the prestigious Rookie of the Year trophy.
The trend speaks for itself. Just look at the wide receiver room alone: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have each entered the league and quickly turned into difference-makers. Wilson’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2022 set the tone for what would become a stretch of Buckeye brilliance in the NFL. On the defensive side, Chase Young’s dominant rookie campaign in 2020 earned him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, showcasing that Ohio State doesn’t just produce skill players but elite defenders as well. The Buckeyes have built a reputation where “next man up” isn’t just a cliché, it’s reality.
What separates Ohio State from many other programs is how pro-ready its players are the moment they enter the league. Ryan Day and his staff have built a system that emphasizes NFL concepts while also allowing players to showcase their athleticism and versatility. Wideouts are polished route runners by the time they leave Columbus. Cornerbacks are battle-tested in a conference where elite passing attacks are common. Quarterbacks, once a question mark for the Buckeyes in NFL circles, are now breaking barriers and silencing doubters. This preparation translates almost immediately into rookie-year success.
As for this year’s race, the Buckeyes are once again front and center. Whether it’s a dynamic receiver stepping into a major role, a defensive playmaker racking up tackles and turnovers, or a quarterback showing poise beyond his years, the conversation always circles back to Columbus. The simple truth is that NFL front offices trust Ohio State talent. They draft them early, they put them in key roles, and more often than not, Buckeyes deliver.
Beyond individual awards, the larger story is about the brand Ohio State has built. Programs like Alabama and Georgia may boast dominance in producing sheer NFL numbers, but Ohio State’s recent track record of producing stars — not just contributors — sets them apart. These aren’t just players making rosters; these are young men stepping into the spotlight and thriving under the pressure of being a first-round pick or a franchise cornerstone.
It’s fair to say the NFL Rookie of the Year award has been dominated by Ohio State products in this new era, and it would be no surprise if another Buckeye adds to that legacy in 2025. This isn’t a fluke, and it’s not just about recruiting hype. It’s about elite development, consistent excellence, and a program that prepares its players for the biggest stage in football. The Buckeyes aren’t just competing for national titles on Saturdays — they’re shaping the future of Sundays.
Simply put: this program is elite. And the Rookie of the Year race is just another showcase of that fact.
