Ohio State football NFL undrafted free agent tracker: Follow the Buckeyes’ path as they sign with teams post-draft, aiming for roster spots.

The NFL Draft is always an exciting time for college football players, particularly those from high-profile programs like Ohio State. The Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in collegiate football, consistently producing top-tier talent that is coveted by NFL teams. For those who are fortunate enough to be selected during the draft, the path to professional football becomes much clearer. However, not every player hears their name called during the draft, and for many Ohio State football players, the journey to the NFL doesn’t end with the draft. Instead, it continues as undrafted free agents (UFAs), who sign with teams post-draft in hopes of earning a spot on an NFL roster.

In this article, we will follow the path of the Ohio State football players who were not drafted in 2025 but were given the opportunity to continue their football careers as undrafted free agents. We will track their signings, explore their potential, and examine how their journey could unfold as they try to prove they belong at the next level.

The Importance of Undrafted Free Agents

Undrafted free agents play a critical role in shaping NFL rosters. While they may not have been selected during the draft, many undrafted players still go on to have impressive careers in the league. In fact, a significant number of NFL players who have had long and successful careers were initially undrafted. This includes players like Antonio Gates, Wes Welker, and Kurt Warner, who all went on to become legends of the game despite not being drafted.

For Ohio State football players, being an undrafted free agent does not diminish their potential. Ohio State has a rich history of producing talented players, and the NFL scouts know that many of their undrafted prospects possess the necessary skills and work ethic to succeed at the highest level. The lack of a draft selection merely means that they will have to fight a little harder to make their mark.

Tracking Ohio State’s 2025 NFL Undrafted Free Agents

As the 2025 NFL Draft concluded, several Ohio State players found themselves without an immediate spot on an NFL roster. However, this did not deter them, and they quickly turned their attention to signing undrafted free-agent contracts. We will track these players and their journeys as they attempt to make NFL teams and prove they belong.

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was one of the most highly anticipated wide receivers in college football, and despite his stellar career at Ohio State, he went undrafted in 2025. Smith-Njigba’s combination of speed, route-running ability, and ball skills made him a dominant force for the Buckeyes during his time in Columbus. However, injuries and a crowded wide receiver class led to some uncertainty surrounding his draft stock.

After the draft, Smith-Njigba signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent, hoping to make an immediate impact. The Packers, who have a history of developing talented wide receivers, provide the perfect landing spot for Smith-Njigba. With a veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and an opportunity to compete for a roster spot, he could quickly become a key contributor to Green Bay’s passing attack.

2. Zach Harrison – Defensive End

Zach Harrison, a dynamic pass rusher for Ohio State, was considered one of the top defensive players entering the 2025 NFL Draft. However, after a solid but not explosive career at Ohio State, he went undrafted. Despite this, Harrison is a player with a high ceiling, and his combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team.

After the draft, Harrison signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. Pittsburgh has a history of developing defensive talent, and Harrison’s explosive pass-rushing ability could be an excellent fit for the Steelers’ defensive scheme. If he can develop his skills and adjust to the NFL level, Harrison has the potential to be a key contributor on a defense that prides itself on creating pressure.

3. Kourt Williams – Safety

Kourt Williams, a safety for Ohio State, was another player who caught the attention of NFL scouts due to his physicality, leadership, and playmaking ability. Williams was a standout for the Buckeyes, known for his hard-hitting style and ability to defend both the pass and the run. However, despite his impressive skill set, he was overlooked in the draft.

Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, where he will look to continue his development. The Saints are known for their strong defensive backs and have a reputation for developing players at the safety position. Williams’ skill set should fit well in New Orleans, and if he can showcase his ability to create turnovers and be a consistent tackler, he could earn a spot on the Saints’ roster.

4. Jeremy Ruckert – Tight End

Jeremy Ruckert was one of Ohio State’s top tight ends during his time in Columbus, known for his ability to block in the run game as well as his ability to make plays in the passing game. Despite his strong career at Ohio State, Ruckert went undrafted, which came as a surprise to many analysts who saw him as a reliable and versatile tight end.

After the draft, Ruckert signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have a young and developing roster, and Ruckert could provide them with a solid presence in both the run and pass game. Jacksonville’s offensive system could use a player like Ruckert, who can line up at multiple spots and create mismatches in both the blocking and receiving phases of the game.

5. Cameron Brown – Cornerback

Cameron Brown was a standout cornerback for Ohio State who showed great potential as a lock-down defender. Despite his talent, Brown was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, leading many to wonder about the reasons behind his fall. He has all the physical tools to be a successful cornerback in the NFL, but questions about his consistency and his ability to maintain top-level play could have hurt his stock.

Brown signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after the draft, a team known for its high-powered offense and defensive versatility. The Chiefs could use Brown’s athleticism and ball skills to bolster their secondary. If he can work on his technique and find consistency, Brown has the potential to earn a role on Kansas City’s defense.

6. Tanner McCalister – Safety

Tanner McCalister was another defensive back from Ohio State who showed promise throughout his career. Known for his intelligence and ability to read the game, McCalister was an integral part of the Buckeyes’ defense. However, his lack of elite physical traits and a somewhat underwhelming performance during the draft process caused him to go undrafted.

McCalister quickly signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. Buffalo has a strong defense and is always looking to add players who can contribute to their back end. McCalister’s football IQ and ability to play both safety and cornerback could make him a valuable asset for the Bills, especially if he can demonstrate his ability to make plays on the ball.

What’s Next for These Buckeyes?

For the players mentioned above, the road to the NFL is far from over. While their lack of a draft selection may have been disappointing, it doesn’t mean that they can’t achieve their dreams of playing in the league. In fact, many players who were undrafted have gone on to have successful NFL careers. The key for these Ohio State football players is to prove themselves in training camps, during preseason games, and by making an impact whenever they get the opportunity.

Being an undrafted free agent is not the end of the journey but rather a chance to showcase what they can do on the biggest stage. The NFL is a league where opportunities are earned, and these players have the work ethic, determination, and skill to make their mark. Whether they are fighting for a roster spot or aiming to make the practice squad, each of these Buckeyes has the potential to become a key contributor in the NFL.

 Ohio State’s Legacy of NFL Success

While the Ohio State football team may not have had every player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes’ reputation for producing NFL talent is well-established. The players who went undrafted still have the chance to make a lasting impact in the league, and their time at Ohio State has prepared them for this very moment.

In the coming months, we will continue to track these undrafted free agents and monitor their progress as they strive to make an NFL roster. Whether they end up as starters, role players, or special teams contributors, the hard work and perseverance of these players are what ultimately define their careers. For now, the journey continues as these Buckeyes prove that the NFL Draft is just one step in their path to greatness.