Often overlooked An Ohio State star and a former teammate are selected in the far too early 2026 NFL mock draft.

Often Overlooked: An Ohio State Star and a Former Teammate Selected in the Far Too Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The process of projecting NFL talent can sometimes feel like a never-ending game of speculation, especially when it comes to the “far too early” mock drafts. It’s always a fascinating exercise to speculate about which players will rise to the occasion in college football and translate that success to the next level. And while some players garner immediate attention for their talent, others often fly under the radar — until they don’t.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to producing NFL talent, with a rich history of players that have gone on to have successful careers in the league. In fact, Ohio State regularly has multiple players selected in the early rounds of the NFL Draft each year. But in 2026, two Buckeyes are making headlines, even though they’re still a ways from declaring for the draft. One player in particular has been often overlooked, while a former teammate has taken the college football world by storm. These two players, despite their varied paths and levels of attention, have both made their way into the far too early 2026 NFL mock draft.

The 2026 draft class has already become an exciting prospect for analysts, with players like Caleb Williams from USC and Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State receiving most of the attention. However, there’s something particularly intriguing about two Ohio State stars who have often been overlooked — one for his physical style of play and the other for his potential despite being relatively under the radar.

The Ohio State Stars in the Far Too Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Before diving into these two standout players, it’s important to understand the backdrop for the 2026 NFL draft. At the heart of it is Ryan Day’s Ohio State program, which has become one of the most consistent teams in college football in terms of player development, producing players at nearly every position of need for NFL teams.

The two Ohio State players selected in the far too early 2026 mock draft may not have been the first names that came to mind when analysts first started discussing next year’s draft class, but as the season progresses, both are showing that they have the potential to be huge assets at the next level.

Star #1: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Wide Receiver)

It’s no secret that Ohio State has become a wide receiver factory, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a testament to that legacy. Even though Smith-Njigba did not dominate headlines the same way as fellow wide receivers like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave did during his time at Ohio State, his skill set is beginning to turn heads as he approaches the 2026 NFL Draft.

Smith-Njigba might be viewed as somewhat of a sleeper compared to other marquee players, but his contributions on the field, particularly in his later years at Ohio State, are garnering significant attention. Known for his ability to run precise routes, outstanding hands, and sharp football IQ, Smith-Njigba has all the attributes needed to thrive in the NFL. What separates him from some of his peers in the receiver position is his ability to be incredibly reliable in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s breaking tackles, making incredible catches in contested situations, or becoming a key asset in clutch moments, Smith-Njigba does it all.

This past season, Smith-Njigba took over the role of wide receiver one for Ohio State after the departure of Olave and Wilson to the NFL. Despite not having the most electrifying statistics in terms of yards and touchdowns, his ability to get open on crucial third downs and his consistency in tough matchups kept him on the radar for NFL scouts.

What often goes overlooked with Smith-Njigba is his physicality. While he doesn’t necessarily have the top-end speed of some other top receivers, his ability to make defenders miss with his quick feet and high football IQ in tight spaces is elite. When teams look for a reliable, polished receiver who can come in and contribute immediately, Smith-Njigba is exactly the type of player they would want. His skill set projects favorably for the next level.

The fact that Smith-Njigba is being selected in mock drafts as high as the top 20 in 2026 is a clear indicator of his steady improvement and the potential for him to be a star at the NFL level. Despite being overshadowed by other names in the Ohio State receiver room, Smith-Njigba has proven he has what it takes to be an elite NFL player. His ability to grow within the offense and develop further in his college career suggests he’ll be ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Star #2: Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver)

Another name gaining traction in the far too early 2026 NFL mock draft is Emeka Egbuka, the dynamic wide receiver for Ohio State. Egbuka may have been a bit under the radar compared to some of his Ohio State counterparts at the start of his career, but after his incredible breakout performances, he’s quickly becoming one of the most highly regarded pass catchers in the nation.

Egbuka has the rare combination of explosive speed, quick twitch movements, and the ability to excel in a variety of offensive roles. What stands out about Egbuka is his versatility. While he’s been primarily used as a wide receiver at Ohio State, he has the potential to be used as a return specialist, slot receiver, and even as a wildcat quarterback in certain offensive packages. This type of versatility is incredibly valuable at the NFL level, where coaches are looking for players who can be deployed in multiple ways to create mismatches against opposing defenses.

Much like Smith-Njigba, Egbuka benefited from the heavy focus on Ohio State’s passing game, which continues to rank among the best in the country. Egbuka proved himself as a reliable deep threat, capable of taking the top off the defense with his breakaway speed. But it’s his mental toughness and ability to make contested catches that really make him stand out.

Egbuka has shown flashes of greatness in his ability to stretch the field and make big plays when it matters most. During some of the toughest games Ohio State played this season, Egbuka became the go-to option for quarterback Kyle McCord, coming through with crucial catches and explosive plays. His development in the offense under Ryan Day is a key reason why many analysts have started to view him as a first-round talent for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Despite not getting the same immediate attention as some of the other top receivers in college football, Egbuka has been quietly solidifying himself as one of the most promising pass-catching prospects for 2026. If his development continues along this trajectory, there’s no reason he won’t be a household name by the time the NFL Draft rolls around.

Why These Two Players Are Overlooked

In a world where the media often focuses on top-ranked programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, Ohio State’s players sometimes fall into the background. The emphasis tends to be placed on immediate, flashy talent, and players who develop more gradually or have a more quiet but steady impact often don’t get the same recognition.

The key reason for both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Emeka Egbuka being overlooked is the overshadowing presence of other top-tier talents in the college football landscape. For instance, players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyle McCord, and even future quarterbacks like Devin Brown receive more attention from scouts and analysts due to their higher profile or flashy plays. This means that receivers like Smith-Njigba and Egbuka, while immensely talented, may not always get the same degree of public attention that they deserve.

Additionally, Ohio State’s stacked roster of talent means that even players with exceptional skill sets may often be seen as “just another product of the Buckeyes’ system.” Analysts sometimes wonder how much of their success is due to the program’s offensive system and how much is due to their individual skill.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Both Players in the NFL

The beauty of college football is that it’s a platform where players can consistently grow and develop. With Ryan Day’s coaching staff, both Smith-Njigba and Egbuka are set up for further improvement. As they continue to evolve into more polished, complete players, their NFL prospects will only continue to rise.

For Smith-Njigba, his decision-making skills and ability to excel in tough, contested situations are what will make him a standout at the next level. His ability to be a technician in his route running and perform well in clutch moments will serve him well in the NFL.

For Egbuka, the added dimension of his versatility means that NFL teams will be eager to find ways to incorporate him into their offense. His blend of speed, strength, and intelligence will make him a nightmare for defenders and a valuable asset to any NFL roster.