Three queries about the top prospects for Ohio State football in the 2025 NFL Draft

Ohio State University has long been recognized as one of the most elite programs in college football, consistently producing top-tier talent for the National Football League (NFL). Year after year, Buckeyes emerge from their renowned football program to make an impact at the next level. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, a fresh crop of Ohio State talent is rising up, with a number of players expected to feature prominently in the upcoming draft. The program’s commitment to excellence, combined with its consistent ability to develop future NFL stars, ensures that the Buckeyes will once again have a significant presence in the 2025 draft class.

This article will explore the top Ohio State football prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft and will focus on three primary questions regarding their potential impact and future careers. These questions will address the players’ current skill sets, what they need to improve on to succeed in the NFL, and how their draft stock could evolve in the lead-up to the 2025 draft.

1. Who Are the Top Ohio State Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft?

The first and most pressing question concerns the players from Ohio State who are expected to be the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. While there are many talented athletes on the roster, certain names are already emerging as future NFL stars. At the forefront of this group are a few key players who are expected to stand out in 2024 and 2025 as potential first-round picks.

Kyle McCord (QB)

The quarterback position is often the most closely scrutinized when it comes to NFL Draft projections, and Ohio State is once again expected to produce a potential star in this area. Kyle McCord, a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and impressive mobility, is expected to be one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class. McCord has the potential to lead Ohio State’s high-powered offense to great heights, which will undoubtedly draw the attention of NFL scouts.

McCord has shown flashes of brilliance in his early college career, making plays both in the air and on the ground. He boasts a strong arm, accurate deep-ball placement, and the ability to read defenses effectively, making him a promising candidate for the NFL. His athleticism allows him to escape pressure in the pocket and extend plays, which is a highly valued trait in modern NFL quarterbacks.

However, McCord still has areas to refine. Consistency in his decision-making, particularly under pressure, will be crucial for his development. NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who can handle the mental demands of the game and make smart decisions on the fly. McCord’s ability to improve his accuracy on intermediate throws and his deep-ball consistency will play a large role in whether he can rise to the top of the 2025 QB class.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)

While McCord may be the quarterback to watch, Marvin Harrison Jr. is unquestionably one of the most exciting prospects in the entire 2025 draft class, not just among Ohio State players. Harrison Jr. is widely considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in college football today and is expected to be one of the first players off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Harrison Jr. is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, and he has inherited his father’s incredible ability to separate from defenders, run crisp routes, and make spectacular catches. Standing at 6’4” and possessing elite athleticism, Harrison Jr. has the size and speed to dominate at the professional level. He is known for his high football IQ, his ability to make plays after the catch, and his outstanding ball-tracking skills.

In 2023, Harrison Jr. demonstrated why he is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country, consistently putting up impressive numbers and showcasing his ability to take over games. His ability to run precise routes and his knack for making contested catches in high-pressure situations will make him a standout player in the NFL. While he has all the physical traits needed to excel, Harrison Jr. will need to continue refining his technique and adjusting to the higher level of competition that awaits him in the NFL.

JT Tuimoloau (DE)

Another standout prospect from Ohio State is JT Tuimoloau, a dominant defensive end who has drawn comparisons to some of the top pass rushers in the NFL. Tuimoloau possesses the physical tools to be a game-wrecker at the next level, with his combination of size, speed, and athleticism making him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Standing at 6’4” and weighing over 270 pounds, Tuimoloau is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line.

Throughout his time at Ohio State, Tuimoloau has demonstrated a rare ability to get after the quarterback with both power and finesse. His quickness off the line of scrimmage, combined with his ability to shed blockers, has made him one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. Tuimoloau’s potential to become a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL is undeniable, and he is expected to be one of the top defensive prospects for the 2025 draft.

While Tuimoloau’s pass-rushing ability is elite, he will need to continue developing his ability to stop the run and improve his overall consistency to reach his full potential. NFL teams will be looking for a player who can be an all-around threat on the defensive line, not just a one-dimensional pass rusher.

2. What Do These Top Prospects Need to Improve to Succeed at the Next Level?

While each of the players mentioned above is highly talented, they all have areas that need refinement before they can fully reach their potential in the NFL. Understanding these areas of improvement will be crucial for their development and future success.

Kyle McCord (QB) – Decision Making and Poise Under Pressure

As with many young quarterbacks, McCord’s most significant area for improvement will be his decision-making under pressure. Although he has the physical tools to be an elite quarterback, McCord will need to refine his ability to read complex defenses and make quick, accurate decisions when under duress. The speed and complexity of the NFL game require quarterbacks to process information more quickly, and McCord must prove that he can handle this transition.

Moreover, McCord’s poise in clutch situations will also be a point of focus. He will need to demonstrate that he can keep calm in high-pressure moments, particularly in critical games and close situations, a skill that is highly prized in NFL quarterbacks.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) – Route Running and Separation Against NFL Corners

Marvin Harrison Jr. has already demonstrated excellent route-running ability, but he will need to continue refining this skill at the next level, particularly against NFL-caliber cornerbacks who are faster and more skilled than the college defenders he faces. While Harrison Jr. is already exceptional at creating separation, the precision of his routes and his ability to consistently break free from elite corners will be key to his success in the NFL.

Additionally, Harrison Jr. will need to continue building strength to combat the physicality of NFL defenders. While his size and athleticism are already impressive, further developing his upper body strength will make him more capable of winning physical battles on contested catches and blocking assignments.

JT Tuimoloau (DE) – Consistency in Run Defense and Overall Technique

While Tuimoloau has displayed elite pass-rushing skills, his ability to stop the run is an area that will need refinement before he can reach his full potential in the NFL. Defensive ends in the NFL are expected to contribute in both the passing and running games, and Tuimoloau must continue to work on his ability to anchor against the run and disengage from blockers when necessary.

In addition to improving his run defense, Tuimoloau’s technique as a pass rusher will need to be polished further. While his athleticism and raw power are formidable, refining his hand placement, footwork, and pass-rush moves will be essential for him to succeed at the next level.

3. How Could Their Draft Stock Evolve Leading Up to the 2025 NFL Draft?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the draft stock of Ohio State’s top prospects will likely fluctuate based on their performances in the 2024 season and throughout the lead-up to the draft. For McCord, Harrison Jr., and Tuimoloau, their stock will be influenced by both their individual performances and how they fare against elite competition.

Kyle McCord (QB)

McCord’s draft stock will be directly tied to his ability to perform in big games, particularly against top-tier opponents in the Big Ten and in bowl games. His development in the 2024 season will be under heavy scrutiny, and scouts will be watching closely to see if he can consistently execute at a high level. If McCord can lead Ohio State to another successful season and showcase his skills against top defenses, he could solidify his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, potentially even a first-round pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)

Harrison Jr.’s draft stock is already sky-high, and barring a significant injury or drop in performance, he will likely remain one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. However, scouts will be paying close attention to how he handles more physical defenses and how his game develops against high-level cornerbacks. If Harrison Jr. continues to dominate and proves himself to be an elite NFL-caliber talent, he will undoubtedly be in the running to be one of the first players selected in the 2025 draft.

JT Tuimoloau (DE)

Tuimoloau’s draft stock will depend heavily on his ability to develop into

a more complete defensive end. His elite pass-rushing potential will keep him highly valued, but scouts will be evaluating how well he can contribute against the run and how much his overall technique improves. If Tuimoloau can continue to develop in these areas, his stock could rise substantially, and he could challenge for a high first-round pick in the 2025 draft.