The Beast Unleashed: How Many Buckeyes Should Pack Their Bags?In the world of college football, few teams elicit the same level of passion and intrigue as the Ohio State Buckeyes. Year after year, the Buckeyes are a top contender, consistently one of the most formidable forces in the sport. But as the 2025 season approaches, there’s a looming question: how many Buckeyes should actually pack their bags for the NFL draft? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems, and it’s not just about raw talent—it’s a complex web of coaching decisions, player development, team needs, and, of course, NFL scouts’ ever-evolving preferences.First, let’s start with the obvious: Ohio State is a powerhouse. From the offensive line to the secondary, the Buckeyes churn out NFL-ready players like few other programs. They consistently produce top-tier talent, and it’s rare for Ohio State to send fewer than a handful of players to the NFL every year. But in a world where draft stocks fluctuate rapidly—thanks to combine performances, injuries, and changes in team needs—the number of Buckeyes selected can be unpredictable.Take, for example, a player like quarterback Kyle McCord. The Buckeyes have seen strong quarterbacks before—Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and even the legendary Troy Smith. McCord’s talent is evident, but will his performance this season push him into the first round, or will he need another year to refine his game? The quarterback position is always under the microscope, and a less-than-perfect showing could see McCord on the sidelines for another year at Ohio State. But if he lights it up in 2025, packing his bags for the NFL seems inevitable.Another area of focus for the Buckeyes is their defense, particularly the defensive line. The program has produced some absolute monsters, and 2025 could be no different. Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau is a name that has been whispered about in NFL circles for years. With his blend of size, speed, and technique, Tuimoloau has the potential to be a first-round pick, and the only question now is whether he can continue to dominate in his final season. Should his performance remain stellar, he’ll certainly be one of the first Buckeyes to pack his bags come draft day.However, the situation becomes murkier when you look at players whose stock might not be as high. For instance, players in the secondary or at wide receiver might have the raw talent but could face a crowded draft class, making it harder for them to stand out. In these cases, a year of development could be key to solidifying their professional prospects. If a player like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., for example, has an off year or gets overshadowed by other elite talent, he could return for another year at Ohio State to improve his draft stock.The real challenge for Ohio State comes in weighing how many players should leave for the NFL and how many should stay. The school is known for producing elite talent, but with that comes the challenge of balancing the short-term need for success with long-term player development. Ohio State has built a dynasty in part by having a revolving door of talent head to the NFL while still maintaining a championship-caliber roster.In conclusion, the question of how many Buckeyes should pack their bags is less about any one player and more about the overall trajectory of the program. The Buckeyes will no doubt have a slew of players with professional aspirations, but the final decision often comes down to the timing of a player’s career, the state of the NFL draft that year, and whether they feel their stock is as high as it will get. One thing is for sure: whether it’s a handful or a flurry of Buckeyes packing their bags, Ohio State will continue to be a breeding ground for top NFL talent for years to come.
