Eric Boggs
A year ago, Ohio State had high hopes for the NFL Draft after six players got picked in 2023. But this year, only four Buckeyes got chosen, the fewest since 2013. This was surprising, but it wasn’t because Ohio State had fewer good players. It was mostly because fewer players were eligible for the draft and some chose to stay in college.
Next year might be different, though. There are over 20 seniors on the team, and many of them are really good. When you couple how many juniors came back for their senior season, coupled with how many underclassmen might take that next step as juniors, the 2025 NFL Draft might be a record setting weekend for the Buckeyes.
Eric and Chris from The OHIO Podcast joined JR on The VOice of College Football to give their predictions on this very topic. You can watch the video below:
Let’s look at some of the players who could get picked in the 2025 NFL Draft.
CB Denzel Burke: After a tough sophomore year due to injuries, Denzel Burke bounced back strong last season. He was named first-team All-Big Ten and showcased his skills by defending nine passes and grabbing one interception. Burke’s lockdown ability limited opposing quarterbacks to just 25 receptions on 48 targeted throws in 2023. He aims to solidify himself as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks and continue the legacy of Ohio State’s formidable defense. Burke might be the most talented guy on Ohio State’s roster next season and should be the first corner taken off of the board in next year’s NFL Draft.
DE J.T. Tuimoloau: Despite high expectations for the NFL Draft, J.T. Tuimoloau opted to return for his senior year. He amassed impressive stats last season with 38 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, and one fumble recovery. Tuimoloau aspires to emulate the success of former Buckeye defensive ends like Joey and Nick Bosa, aiming for a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. This might be difficult to do given the fact that Jack Sawyer is playing on the other side of the line, but don’t sleep on Tuimoloau having a fantastic senior campaign.
WR Emeka Egbuka: Hindered by an injury that sidelined him for three games, Emeka Egbuka still managed to tally 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. His potential was evident in his freshman year, where he recorded 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 11 touchdowns. Egbuka will look to keep the first round draft pick streak by an Ohio State wide receiver alive and could easily do so if he has a good 2024 season.
DE Jack Sawyer: Jack Sawyer’s versatility was on display last season as he transitioned back to playing defensive end full-time, resulting in his best collegiate year. He finished the season with impressive stats, including 48 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Sawyer could have turned pro last year, but became the voice in the locker room which led to the decision made by so many to return for their senior seasons. Sawyer has the potential to become a first-round draft pick.
RB TreVeyon Henderson: TreVeyon Henderson has been a consistent performer for Ohio State, accumulating 2,745 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns over the last three years. Despite battling injuries, he remains a dynamic playmaker with the potential to be a top running back prospect in the upcoming draft. If Henderson can stay healthy, coupled with new running mate in Quinshon Judkins, there is no reason not to believe Henderson could become the first running back selected in next years NFL draft.
OL Donovan Jackson: Donovan Jackson’s decision to return for his senior season provides Ohio State with a top offensive line talent who could be on a NFL roster at this moment. Although Jackson’s 2023 season wasn’t what he or anyone else expected, he was and still is the most talented man on Ohio State’s offensive line. Jackson has reportedly taken on more of a leadership role this off-season, and is thriving in Chip Kelly’s run scheme. Look for Jackson to have a great 2024 season and be a second day draft pick next year.
DT Tyleik Williams: Tyleik Williams emerged as a standout performer on Ohio State’s defensive line last season, registering 53 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, five passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. Williams could have honestly gone pro last season and had been drafted, but his decision to return for another season reflects his determination to further elevate his draft stock. In other words, Williams is betting on himself while chasing a ring in Columbus.
CB Jordan Hancock: Jordan Hancock’s return for his senior season presents an opportunity to solidify his status as an NFL Draft pick. As the penciled in starter at the slot corner position, it might be hard for Hancock to boost his NFL stock, but all it takes is one team to really like you come draft day.
OL Josh Simmons: After transferring to Ohio State, Josh Simmons gradually improved throughout the 2023 season, earning the starting left tackle position. With a full offseason to develop, Simmons seeks to maximize his potential and establish himself as a top offensive line prospect. It’s hard for me to see Simmons getting a call on draft day, but given his size and athletic ability, if he can put it all together, someone will like his upside.
CB Davison Igbinosun: Davison Igbinosun quickly made an impact in his debut season at Ohio State, demonstrating solid coverage skills and contributing to the team’s success. As he enters his junior season, Igbinosun aims to continue his development. He will be a three-year starting Cornerback after next season, and next to his teammate Burke, might be one of the best corners in the country. The only question is how high in the draft will Iggy go.?
RB Quinshon Judkins: Quinshon Judkins transferred to Ohio State this offseason, bringing with him a wealth of experience and production from his time at Ole Miss. His addition to the Buckeyes’ offense provides depth and talent at the running back position. Coupled with Henderson, Ohio State is expected to have the best backfield in all of college football. Both will more than likely be drafted in 2025 if they can stay healthy.
LB Sonny Styles: Sonny Styles showcased his versatility and playmaking ability last season, tallying 53 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. However, he did all of that at the safety position. Now he is being looked at as a linebacker and is reportedly in competition for playing time with C.J. Hicks. It was expected that Styles would be a three and done player, but given this recent development, Styles may be sticking around after this season. But if he has his heart set on going to the NFL, someone will draft him. His upside is just too much for someone not to take a chance on him.
QB Will Howard: Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, seeks to make an impact as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. His success in Ryan Day’s offense could position him as a viable draft prospect after having tremendous success in Manhattan, Kansas. Howard isn’t considered a top end talent at the position, but his grit and surprising athletic ability despite his large frame is something that newly highered offensive coordinator Chip Kelly could look to utilize. In recent history, when it comes to transferred quarterbacks, only those who transferred before their senior season have gone on to be highly drafted NFL prospects. Howard will look to buck that trend as he only has one year of eligibility remaining.
SAF Lathan Ransom: Lathan Ransom’s return for a fifth year presents an opportunity to enhance his draft stock with strong performances in the upcoming season. After suffering from an injury that sidelined the conclusion of his 2023 season, Ransom was forced to watch from the sideline. Something that did set well with him, or the NFL scouts for that matter. If Ransom can return to the form he showed when being at 100-percent health, there is no reason to think he can’t be drafted next spring.
DT Ty Hamilton: With an expanded role on Ohio State’s defensive line, Ty Hamilton will aim to showcase his talents and bolster his draft prospects in 2024. TY, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguar and former Buckeye DaVon Hamilton, seems to be on the exact path and trajectory his older brother was on while he was at Ohio State, which led to being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Ty looks like he could be the next Hamilton to do so.
LB Cody Simon: Cody Simon’s promotion to a starting role at linebacker is well deserved. After serving as Tommy Eichenberg’s backup for the past couple of seasons, and after dealing with some injuries to begin his career in Columbus, this opportunity to be the starting linebacker is a welcomed opportunity that could produce attention of NFL scouts.
TE Gee Scott Jr.: Gee Scott Jr. aims to capitalize on the opportunity presented by Cade Stover’s departure and establish himself as a reliable target for Ohio State’s offense. Scott Jr. was recruited as a wide receiver in the talented 2020 class that included Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming. Njigba is catching balls in Seattle for the Seahawks and the often injured Flemming is looking to finish out his career at Penn State. As for Scott Jr., you have to hand it to the kid for sticking it out and trusting the process. In a world full of NIL and transfer portal news, it would have been easy for Scott Jr. to head back to the Pacific Northwest. But here he is, in his fifth year of eligibility, trying to win the starting tight end position. And if he does, and he has a solid 2024 season, it maybe translate to being drafted next year.
OL Josh Fryar: Josh Fryar’s offseason improvements aim to solidify his role as a key contributor on Ohio State’s offensive line. Many believe Fryar would be better suited at right guard, but if the coaching staff believe he is the best option at right tackle, then a second consecutive season as the Ohio State starting right tackle will warrant some scouts to take a second look at Fryar. Will be drafted? Maybe. But he will have to show significant improvement in 2024.
OL Seth McLaughlin: Seth McLaughlin’s transfer to Ohio State is expected to lead to him getting the starting center position for the Buckeyes after playing in the same spot for Alabama the past two seasons. If McLaughlin can put together a good season, and answer questions about his “bad snap issue,” that occurred in Alabama, than look for McLaughlin to possibly be drafted next season.
LB C.J. Hicks: C.J. Hicks aims to secure a starting role on Ohio State’s defense and impress NFL scouts with his performance in the upcoming season. After being buried on the depth chart, Hicks will get his chance to prove his five-star recruiting ranking was legit. If he does, he may be a one and done starter in Columbus.
