Estimating Who Will Remain at Ohio State Following the CFP Title Game and Who Will Leave

The culmination of every college football season leads to a single, most coveted prize—the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. For programs like Ohio State, this stage represents not only the pinnacle of athletic achievement but also the beginning of an inevitable transformation. Roster turnover is a natural consequence of success in college football, particularly for programs that consistently compete for titles like Ohio State.

Following a dramatic run to the CFP title game in 2025, the future of Ohio State’s roster became a topic of intense speculation. With top-tier talent across the roster—many of whom were potential first-round NFL Draft picks—the Buckeyes faced the inevitable dilemma: which players would remain for another season in Columbus, and which would leave for the professional ranks? This article takes a close look at Ohio State’s key players and evaluates who is likely to return for the 2026 season and who will likely depart for the NFL.

The NFL Draft Decision

The decision to declare for the NFL Draft is a deeply personal one, with players weighing a variety of factors, including their draft stock, family situations, and personal aspirations. However, for Ohio State’s most elite players, the pull of professional football often outweighs any desire to return for another college season. With the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship looming large, here is a breakdown of the key players on Ohio State’s roster and an estimation of whether they will stay or go.

1. CJ Stroud – Quarterback (Likely to Leave)

CJ Stroud’s name has been synonymous with Ohio State’s offensive success over the last few seasons. As one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, Stroud led the Buckeyes to another successful playoff run in 2025, showcasing his elite arm talent, decision-making, and leadership. Stroud has been projected as a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for the better part of two years, and after leading Ohio State to the CFP title game, the writing on the wall is clear—Stroud will likely declare for the NFL.

Given his tremendous college career, including a prolific senior season and significant NFL interest, Stroud’s departure would not come as a surprise. Quarterbacks at his level typically have very little incentive to return for an additional year, as the potential for injury or diminished draft stock is ever-present. Assuming Stroud receives a first-round grade, which is highly probable, he is expected to move on to the NFL, leaving Ohio State to transition to a new quarterback for the 2026 season.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver (Likely to Leave)

Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a key figure in Ohio State’s receiving corps and arguably the most explosive playmaker in college football in 2025. With his unique combination of size, speed, and hands, Harrison has the skillset of a potential NFL star. Many scouts view him as a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While Ohio State fans would love to see Harrison return for another season, the likelihood of that happening is slim.

The wide receiver position has become increasingly lucrative in the NFL, and players with Harrison’s potential tend to enter the draft early to capitalize on that opportunity. With his performance in the 2025 College Football Playoff and a first-round projection almost certain, Harrison Jr. will almost certainly make the jump to the NFL, leaving Ohio State to find a new top target for its next quarterback.

3. J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive End (Likely to Leave)

J.T. Tuimoloau, a force on the defensive line for Ohio State, has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. His ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback, combined with his athleticism and versatility, has made him one of the most coveted prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. After an impressive 2025 season that solidified his status as one of the top defensive prospects, Tuimoloau is expected to declare for the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a high first-round selection.

As with most players in his position, the financial incentives and career opportunities in the NFL are too great for Tuimoloau to pass up. Given his draft stock and the limited upside of returning for another season, the defensive star is almost certainly leaving Columbus to pursue his professional career.

4. TreVeyon Henderson – Running Back (Likely to Leave)

TreVeyon Henderson has been one of Ohio State’s most dynamic running backs, showcasing elite speed, vision, and toughness throughout his college career. After an impressive 2025 season, Henderson has earned a reputation as one of the top running back prospects in college football. As one of the few positions in football where players often enter the NFL Draft early, Henderson’s strong performance in the postseason could be the final nudge he needs to declare for the draft.

Running backs typically have a shorter shelf life in the NFL, which makes declaring for the draft earlier an attractive option. Given Henderson’s combination of talent, production, and injury-free status, it’s highly likely that he will leave Ohio State for the NFL after the 2025 season. The Buckeyes will need to reload at the running back position in 2026, but Henderson’s departure will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for Ohio State’s backfield.

5. Zach Harrison – Defensive End (Likely to Leave)

Another key defensive player, Zach Harrison, has been a consistent force for Ohio State’s defensive line. With an impressive combination of size and athleticism, Harrison has steadily increased his stock throughout his career, especially during the 2025 season. While his NFL future is likely to be in the middle rounds, Harrison is widely considered ready for professional football.

Defensive linemen like Harrison, who have already demonstrated their ability at a high level, often opt to leave for the NFL Draft in search of a quicker path to professional success. Despite not being a top-tier prospect like Tuimoloau, Harrison’s potential and growth during his college career indicate that he will most likely leave Ohio State for the NFL, foregoing another season in college.

Who Will Stay?

While many of Ohio State’s biggest stars are expected to leave after the 2025 season, there are still key players who are likely to return for another year with the Buckeyes. Some of these players may be driven by a desire to improve their draft stock, others by the opportunity to lead Ohio State to another title. Here’s a look at the players most likely to remain for the 2026 season.

1. Kyle McCord – Quarterback (Likely to Stay)

With CJ Stroud expected to declare for the NFL Draft, Ohio State will need a new starting quarterback in 2026. Kyle McCord, the backup quarterback throughout the 2025 season, has been a highly-touted recruit and is considered one of the most promising quarterbacks in the country. With a year of learning under Stroud’s tutelage, McCord is likely to take the reins as Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2026. Given that McCord is still developing and has not yet established himself as a top NFL prospect, it’s expected that he will return for another season in Columbus.

2. Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver (Likely to Stay)

With Marvin Harrison Jr. departing, Ohio State will need a new star wide receiver to step into the spotlight. Emeka Egbuka, who has been a reliable playmaker for the Buckeyes throughout his college career, is expected to take on a larger role in 2026. While Egbuka could be an NFL-caliber player, he still has room to develop and will likely stay at Ohio State for another season to further his growth and showcase his talents.

3. Cade Stover – Tight End (Likely to Stay)

Cade Stover has been an important piece of Ohio State’s offense in 2025, serving as a key target in the passing game. Tight ends typically have a more complex path to the NFL, and while Stover has shown flashes of potential, he will likely stay at Ohio State for another year to improve his draft stock. As a seasoned player and leader in the locker room, Stover’s return for his senior season would be an important piece of Ohio State’s offense moving forward.

4. Lathan Ransom – Safety (Likely to Stay)

Lathan Ransom has been a consistent and impactful player for Ohio State’s defense. After a strong 2025 season, Ransom is viewed as a solid prospect for the NFL, but he may choose to return to school for one final year to improve his draft position. With a deep safety class entering the NFL, Ransom’s return would help Ohio State maintain a strong defense and give him the opportunity to improve his stock for the 2027 NFL Draft.