Ohio State had a strong 2025 NFL Draft with 14 players selected, but some surprising falls and snubs raised questions about certain picks.

The 2025 NFL Draft was a highly anticipated event for Ohio State football fans, and for good reason. The Buckeyes have long been known for producing elite talent that excels at the highest levels of college football, and this year’s draft class was no different. Ohio State had 14 players selected, which was an impressive showing and just one pick shy of tying the all-time NFL Draft record for most players selected from one program in a single year. However, while the Buckeyes had a strong draft overall, there were several surprising moments and unexpected developments that raised eyebrows among fans, analysts, and college football observers alike.

From the first round to the final picks, Ohio State’s 2025 draft class showcased some incredible talent, but it also presented a few head-scratching moments. In this article, we’ll break down the key takeaways from Ohio State’s 2025 NFL Draft performance, analyze the surprising falls and snubs, and discuss the impact of these events on the program’s future.

The Strong Start: Four Buckeyes Go in the First Round

Ohio State fans were treated to an exciting start to the 2025 NFL Draft as four Buckeyes came off the board in the first round. This was the most of any school in the draft and set the tone for what would ultimately be a strong showing for the program. The Buckeyes have produced some of the best football talent in the nation over the years, and the first round selections served as a reminder of the program’s continued dominance.

The four Buckeyes selected in the first round were:

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) – Smith-Njigba was one of the most highly touted wide receivers in college football heading into the draft, and his selection was no surprise. He was picked early in the first round, further cementing his reputation as one of the best pass catchers in recent memory. Smith-Njigba’s ability to make plays in all areas of the field, combined with his exceptional route-running and hands, made him a natural first-round pick.
2. Paris Johnson Jr. (OT) – One of the top offensive linemen in the country, Johnson was a staple for Ohio State’s offensive line during his time in Columbus. His size, strength, and technique made him an ideal first-round candidate, and he was selected to bolster an NFL team’s offensive line.
3. C.J. Stroud (QB) – Stroud was the face of the Ohio State offense for several years and proved to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His strong arm, accuracy, and leadership made him a first-round pick and one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in this year’s draft.
4. Zach Harrison (DE) – Harrison’s ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays in the backfield earned him a first-round selection. His combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability made him a potential game-changer at the NFL level.

A Solid Second Round with Three Buckeyes Selected

After a strong first round, Ohio State continued to impress in the second round, with three more players hearing their names called. While the second round selections weren’t as high-profile as the first round, they still showcased the depth of talent that Ohio State consistently produces.

The three Buckeyes selected in the second round were:

1. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) – Gibbs was one of the most explosive and versatile running backs in college football, and his selection in the second round came as little surprise. Known for his speed, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, Gibbs brings a well-rounded skill set to any NFL team.
2. Luke Wypler (C) – Wypler’s consistency and leadership on the offensive line made him an attractive second-round pick. As the Rimington Award winner for the best center in college football, Wypler’s selection in the second round was well-deserved, and he’ll continue to provide value to an NFL team’s offensive line.
3. Emeka Egbuka (WR) – Egbuka was another standout wide receiver for Ohio State, known for his ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch. His ability to track the ball and create separation made him a reliable option in Ohio State’s offense, and his selection in the second round was a testament to his skills.

The Surprising Falls: Jack Sawyer, Will Howard, and More

While Ohio State had a great showing in the early rounds of the draft, there were a few surprising falls that left many wondering what went wrong. These falls raised questions about the evaluation process and whether certain players had been undervalued.

1. Jack Sawyer (DE) Falling to the Fourth Round

Perhaps the most shocking fall of all was that of defensive end Jack Sawyer, who many had expected to be taken in the first or second round. Sawyer had been one of the top defensive players for Ohio State throughout his career, known for his high motor, ability to rush the passer, and solid technique. Despite his impressive resume, Sawyer fell all the way to the fourth round, a decision that left many scratching their heads.

The fourth-round selection wasn’t a reflection of Sawyer’s talent but rather a result of other factors, such as team needs and the depth of the draft class at his position. Some scouts pointed to his inability to fully develop as a pass rusher during his college career, which may have impacted his stock. Regardless, Sawyer still has the potential to make an impact at the next level, and his fall could serve as motivation for him to prove doubters wrong.

2. Will Howard (QB) Drafted in the Sixth Round

Another surprise came with the selection of quarterback Will Howard, who was picked in the sixth round, behind quarterbacks such as Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma) and Kyle McCord (Ohio State). Howard had shown flashes of brilliance at Ohio State and was regarded as a strong leader with a solid arm. His fall to the sixth round left many questioning why he wasn’t valued higher, especially considering his experience in a high-profile program like Ohio State.

Some analysts speculated that Howard’s struggles with consistency in the passing game and his tendency to make mistakes during big moments may have played a role in his drop. However, Howard has the physical tools to succeed at the next level, and his development under the right coaching staff could lead to success down the road.

3. Seth McLaughlin (C) Going Undrafted

One of the most perplexing moments of the 2025 NFL Draft was the fact that Rimington Award winner Seth McLaughlin, widely regarded as one of the top centers in college football, went undrafted. McLaughlin had been a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line and was a dominant force in both the run and pass game. His ability to make calls at the line of scrimmage and his physicality made him a leader for the Buckeyes.

The fact that McLaughlin wasn’t selected raised serious questions about the evaluation process for centers in this year’s draft. Many analysts believed McLaughlin had the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level, and it was surprising to see him go undrafted. However, McLaughlin’s hard work and leadership could still earn him a chance with an NFL team as a free agent.

The Aftermath: Ryan Day’s Thoughts and Program Impact

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day will have the chance to address the media and offer his thoughts on the draft results in his first press conference since the spring game. Day will likely reflect on the strong performance of his players and express pride in the Buckeyes’ success, but he will also be asked about the surprising falls and snubs.

As a coach, Day understands the nature of the NFL Draft and knows that not every player’s journey to the NFL is linear. For players like Sawyer, Howard, and McLaughlin, their drafts may not have gone as expected, but they still have the talent to succeed in the NFL. The key now is for them to stay focused, work hard, and prove themselves when they get their chance.

From a program standpoint, Ohio State’s continued success in the NFL Draft solidifies the Buckeyes as one of the top football programs in the country. With 14 players selected, Ohio State is a breeding ground for NFL talent, and the draft results will continue to attract top recruits to Columbus.

A Strong Draft with Room for Improvement

While Ohio State’s 2025 NFL Draft performance was undoubtedly strong, it also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the draft process. Surprising falls and snubs will always be a part of the conversation, but they don’t diminish the fact that Ohio State continues to produce elite talent year after year. The Buckeyes’ success in the draft serves as a testament to their hard work, commitment, and coaching, and it will be exciting to see how these players perform at the next level. Regardless of where they were drafted or not drafted, the future is bright for Ohio State football.