The Ohio State Buckeyes had the most first-round selections of any school in the 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

Every year, the NFL Draft becomes one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar, offering fans and analysts alike a chance to speculate, debate, and watch the next generation of football stars rise to prominence. While the draft is dominated by discussions of individual talent, there’s also the overarching narrative about which colleges produce the most high-caliber players and dominate the first-round selections.

In 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes have etched their place in history by leading the NFL Mock Draft with the most first-round picks of any school, a significant achievement that underscores the enduring strength of the program. The Buckeyes have long been one of the most successful and productive football programs in college football history, consistently churning out elite talent that translates well to the professional ranks. The 2025 NFL Draft is no different, with Ohio State standing at the forefront of this trend.

But what makes Ohio State’s dominance in the NFL Draft so remarkable? What sets the Buckeyes apart, and why does their program continue to produce such a high volume of first-round talent, year after year? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Ohio State football program’s legacy, examine the 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and highlight some of the top prospects from Ohio State who could make waves at the next level. We’ll also explore the broader implications of this achievement for both the Buckeyes and the NFL.

Ohio State’s Historic NFL Draft Success

To understand why Ohio State is a consistent leader in the NFL Draft, it’s important to first look at the history of the program. The Buckeyes have produced an incredible amount of talent over the decades, with over 80 first-round selections in the program’s history. Their reputation for developing elite athletes—particularly on both sides of the ball—has allowed them to establish a pipeline to the NFL that is both consistent and prolific.

A quick glance at the names of some of Ohio State’s recent first-round picks tells you everything you need to know about the program’s NFL pedigree: players like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, Denzel Ward, J.K. Dobbins, and Jeff Okudah. These players, many of whom are already established stars in the NFL, represent the type of elite talent that Ohio State has routinely produced.

Ohio State’s emphasis on recruiting top-tier talent, its ability to develop that talent into NFL-caliber athletes, and the university’s storied tradition of excellence in college football all contribute to the consistent success of its players in the draft. Whether it’s developing offensive linemen, producing cornerbacks, or preparing quarterbacks for the pros, Ohio State has cultivated an environment that produces some of the most prepared and polished players in the country.

In fact, over the last two decades, Ohio State has been a mainstay in the NFL Draft, with multiple first-round picks year after year. This has helped the program build an identity as a school that not only competes for national championships but also routinely delivers future NFL talent. In 2025, that tradition continues, as Ohio State is once again poised to dominate the draft.

Ohio State Leads the 2025 NFL Mock Draft: The Breakdown

The 2025 NFL Mock Draft has Ohio State sitting at the top of the leaderboard, with a staggering number of players projected to be selected in the first round. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a program that already has a proven track record of success in the draft, and it speaks to the talent pool that head coach Ryan Day and his staff have cultivated.

While the official 2025 draft order has yet to be finalized (with teams still in the midst of the 2024 season), several Ohio State players are being hailed as potential top-ten picks, and the overall number of Buckeyes slated for first-round selection is higher than that of any other school. The Buckeyes’ dominance in this year’s mock draft is both a reflection of their recruiting success and a testament to the quality of coaching and development that takes place in Columbus.

Let’s take a look at the players from Ohio State who are generating the most buzz and who are expected to make the most impact in the 2025 NFL Draft:

Top Ohio State Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)

There is perhaps no more coveted player in the 2025 NFL Draft than Marvin Harrison Jr. The wide receiver has been a star in the making since his freshman season, and he’s now poised to be the first wide receiver selected in the 2025 draft. The son of Marvin Harrison, an NFL Hall of Famer, Harrison Jr. has a rare combination of size, speed, route-running ability, and hands that make him an elite prospect. Standing at 6’4” with incredible body control and a natural ability to make spectacular catches, Harrison Jr. is widely regarded as the most polished wide receiver in college football.

With a blend of physicality and finesse, Harrison Jr. is a matchup nightmare for any defense, and his ability to make game-changing plays has earned him comparisons to the best wideouts in the league. His projected first-round status is a direct result of his elite playmaking ability and his exceptional production at Ohio State.

2. J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE)

Another Buckeye who is generating first-round buzz is J.T. Tuimoloau, a defensive end who has been a force for Ohio State since he arrived on campus. Tuimoloau possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism that makes him a dominant pass rusher and a disruptor in the backfield. He has the ability to rush the passer with speed and power, but also the versatility to be used in different schemes and positions across the defensive front.

In 2024, Tuimoloau has continued to refine his game and improve as a pass rusher, further cementing his status as one of the top defensive players in the draft. His versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive line and his ability to make an impact in both the pass rush and run defense make him a highly sought-after prospect, with many projecting him to go in the top-10 of the draft.

3. Kyle McCord (QB)

Ohio State has been home to some of the most successful quarterbacks in recent memory, including Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, and it looks like Kyle McCord is on track to follow in their footsteps. The talented quarterback has been highly efficient in his time as the Buckeyes’ starter, leading one of the most potent offenses in the country. McCord has all the tools needed to succeed at the next level: a strong arm, accuracy, poise in the pocket, and the ability to read defenses.

If McCord can continue to progress throughout the 2024 season and help Ohio State make a push for the College Football Playoff, he could cement his status as a first-round pick. Quarterbacks are often some of the most coveted players in the NFL Draft, and McCord’s playmaking ability and leadership on the field position him as one of the top signal-callers in the 2025 class.

4. Emeka Egbuka (WR)

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State’s other star wide receiver, has been an absolute playmaker for the Buckeyes alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. Egbuka has shown incredible potential, with his speed, route-running precision, and ability to make difficult catches. Like Harrison Jr., Egbuka is expected to be one of the top wide receivers in the draft, potentially hearing his name called in the first round. His ability to stretch the field, make big plays, and contribute as a deep threat makes him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

5. Denzel Burke (CB)

Denzel Burke is another Ohio State standout who could make his way into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The cornerback has shown exceptional coverage skills, athleticism, and the ability to shut down opposing wide receivers. His ability to mirror wideouts, make critical plays on the ball, and lock down the pass game has made him one of the top cornerback prospects in the country. If Burke continues to excel in 2024, he could be one of the first cornerbacks off the board in the first round.

The Significance of Ohio State’s NFL Draft Dominance

For Ohio State, leading the 2025 NFL Mock Draft with the most first-round selections is more than just an impressive statistic—it’s a reflection of the program’s sustained excellence and its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. Ohio State has established itself as one of the premier NFL talent factories, and the 2025 NFL Draft is simply another example of the program’s remarkable pipeline of success.

The Buckeyes’ ability to produce so many first-round picks year after year is a testament to the recruitment strategies, development programs, and overall culture of excellence that head coach Ryan Day has fostered in Columbus. Ohio State’s dominance in the draft is a strong indicator that the program will remain a national powerhouse for years to come, continuing to attract top talent and develop future stars for the NFL.