Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s national championship season in 2024 wasn’t just about lifting a trophy — it set the stage for an extraordinary showing in the 2025 NFL Draft, as Buckeyes across the roster saw their pro dreams realized. From the first round to the final selections, and even into the undrafted free agent signings, the brotherhood of Buckeye Nation once again proved why it is second to none.
Cody Simon, the heart and soul of Ohio State’s defense and a captain who proudly wore the Block O, was the first Buckeye off the board on Day 3, going No. 115 overall to the Arizona Cardinals. In Simon, Arizona gets a proven leader and winner, a first-team All-Big Ten honoree who earned Defensive MVP honors in both the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Simon’s leadership and grit — highlighted by his choice to return for the 2024 season when many others bolted for the NFL — were foundational to the Buckeyes’ title run. He now joins a Cardinals organization that clearly values Buckeye toughness, having drafted Paris Johnson Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., and now Simon in consecutive years while also hiring former Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye.
Following Simon, Lathan Ransom — another warrior forged through adversity — heard his name called. Despite battling significant injuries throughout his Buckeye career, Ransom’s perseverance and elite playmaking abilities earned him a fourth-round selection by the Carolina Panthers. Coaches and teammates alike have long praised Ransom’s toughness, and now the Panthers get a DB who plays with passion and physicality every snap.
The Steelers wasted no time adding another Buckeye hero to their ranks by selecting defensive end Jack Sawyer at No. 123 overall. A lifelong Buckeye from Pickerington, Sawyer became a legend with his heroic performances in the College Football Playoff, including one of the most iconic scoop-and-score touchdowns in school history. With career highs across the board in 2024, Sawyer’s late-season dominance helped seal Ohio State’s national championship, and now he’ll look to continue wreaking havoc in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense alongside former Buckeye star Cameron Heyward.
Ty Hamilton soon joined the Buckeye parade, heading to the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round. Hamilton’s steady rise mirrored that of his brother DaVon, and Ty finished his Ohio State career as a rock-solid force in the middle of the nation’s top-ranked defense. His relentless effort and quiet leadership were instrumental in the Buckeyes’ title run, and he’ll now look to carve out his place in the NFL trenches.
Ohio State’s secondary also made a strong statement during the draft. Jordan Hancock, a versatile and reliable piece of the Buckeyes’ championship defense, was selected by the Buffalo Bills. His athleticism, intelligence, and selfless attitude shone through both on the field and at the NFL Combine, making him an ideal addition to Buffalo’s defensive backfield. Just minutes later, Denzel Burke — the pride of Phoenix — was selected by the Arizona Cardinals, continuing his football journey close to home. Burke’s roller-coaster career in Columbus only sharpened his resilience, and his bounce-back performances in 2023 and 2024 showed he has the mentality to succeed at the next level.
The Steelers doubled up on Buckeyes when they selected quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round. Though he only spent one season at Ohio State, Howard’s impact was historic, setting a completion percentage record and leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. His incredible College Football Playoff run proved he’s built for big moments, and his underdog mentality fits perfectly in Pittsburgh’s blue-collar culture.
Even those Buckeyes who weren’t drafted immediately found NFL homes. Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State’s Rimington Trophy-winning center, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Injuries may have limited his draft stock, but his talent, leadership, and work ethic are undeniable. Josh Fryar, the Buckeyes’ stalwart right tackle down the stretch of the 2024 season, signed with the Cardinals, reuniting with Justin Frye and continuing the strong Buckeye presence in Arizona.
Altogether, 14 Buckeyes were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, tying the school record set in 2004. The draft wasn’t just a celebration of individual talent — it was a testament to the strength of Ohio State’s culture, a brotherhood built on perseverance, humility, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. As Buckeye Nation watches these players take their next steps, we do so with pride, knowing they carry the scarlet and gray legacy with them.
