Ohio State Buckeyes would be left stunned if Todd McShay’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft came to fruition

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the anticipation surrounding the event is palpable. For Ohio State, a school renowned for producing top-tier NFL talent, the draft holds special significance. Over the years, Buckeye players have consistently made their mark in the NFL, and the 2025 draft class is expected to continue that tradition. However, Todd McShay’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft has left many in Buckeye Nation stunned, especially with some surprising predictions regarding Ohio State’s top prospects. While Ohio State fans are used to seeing their players go early in the draft, McShay’s projections may cause some to re-evaluate expectations for certain players.

In this article, we’ll break down McShay’s latest mock draft, examine the potential shockers in his projections, and analyze how these forecasts could impact Ohio State’s program and the future of its athletes. We’ll look at the specific Buckeye players included in McShay’s 2025 mock draft, discuss why these predictions might leave fans and analysts stunned, and consider how these projections could influence the team and its coaching staff moving forward.

Ohio State’s 2025 Draft Prospects: High Expectations

Ohio State’s football program is known for its deep talent pool, and every year, multiple Buckeye players declare for the NFL Draft with hopes of making an impact at the next level. The 2025 draft class is no different, as several key players have solidified themselves as potential first-round selections. Some of these players have already made significant waves in college football, while others are emerging as potential stars.

In McShay’s latest mock draft, he highlights a handful of Ohio State players who are expected to make the leap to the NFL. Let’s take a look at some of these players and what McShay’s projections might mean for them:

1. Kyle McCord – Quarterback

One of the most intriguing names in McShay’s mock draft is Ohio State’s quarterback, Kyle McCord. McCord, who is entering his junior season, has been the center of attention at Ohio State, following in the footsteps of legendary quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Troy Smith. His arm strength, mobility, and ability to read defenses have made him one of the top quarterback prospects in college football.

McShay has McCord listed as a first-round pick, but what’s truly shocking is the specific slot he has projected for McCord: the third overall pick. This is an unexpected leap, especially considering McCord’s relative inexperience and the fact that he’s still evolving as a college quarterback. While McCord has shown flashes of brilliance, many experts expected him to be a top-10 pick at best. If McShay’s projection comes true, it would be a major endorsement of McCord’s potential and a testament to the growth he’s shown during his time at Ohio State.

Why This Would Stun Ohio State Fans: McCord’s rise to a third overall pick would certainly be a shock to many Buckeye fans, who have witnessed his occasional struggles on the field. Ohio State quarterbacks are often expected to perform at a high level, but McCord’s journey has been filled with ups and downs. This projection suggests that McCord’s draft stock is trending in a direction few anticipated, and it highlights the faith McShay has in McCord’s ability to develop into a star at the next level. Ohio State fans will be holding their breath, hoping that McCord can meet or exceed expectations during the 2024 season to back up this bold prediction.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver

No surprise here. Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most dynamic and polished wide receivers in college football, and McShay has him projected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Harrison, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, has lived up to the family legacy with his incredible route running, strong hands, and ability to make spectacular catches.

What makes Harrison such a high draft pick in McShay’s mock is his unmatched ability to dominate at every level of competition. He’s considered one of the top wide receiver prospects to come out of college in years, and many experts have penciled him in as a potential top-five pick. McShay’s projection of Harrison going second overall is a testament to his exceptional skills and his ability to influence games in all phases of offense.

Why This Would Stun Ohio State Fans: While many Ohio State fans expect Harrison to be selected highly, the exact positioning in McShay’s mock draft is noteworthy. Some fans might have anticipated Harrison to go in the 4-6 range, but a No. 2 overall selection would place him as one of the most sought-after prospects in recent memory. It speaks volumes about his status as a future superstar and underscores the ever-growing importance of the wide receiver position in the NFL.

3. J.T. Tuimoloau – Edge Rusher

Defensive players from Ohio State are often highly regarded in the NFL Draft, and J.T. Tuimoloau has been no exception. The powerful edge rusher has become a mainstay on Ohio State’s defense, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks with his combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. McShay has Tuimoloau projected as a top-5 pick, which is no surprise given his high ceiling and dominant performances against some of the nation’s best offenses.

What might stun some Ohio State fans is the specific team McShay has Tuimoloau being selected by—the Arizona Cardinals, at No. 3 overall. Arizona, which holds the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, would be getting one of the top defensive players in the draft to complement their rebuilding effort.

Why This Would Stun Ohio State Fans: Tuimoloau’s projection as a top-5 pick isn’t shocking in itself, but some Ohio State fans might find it surprising that he’s being projected so highly despite playing in a position group that’s often overshadowed by the flashy skill positions like quarterbacks and wide receivers. Tuimoloau has long been a consistent force on the field, but his draft projection reflects the growing importance of elite edge rushers in today’s NFL. If this projection comes to fruition, Tuimoloau would join a long line of former Buckeyes who have made significant impacts on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Trevon Henderson – Running Back

Ohio State’s Trevon Henderson, who has been a dynamic playmaker at running back since his freshman year, is another key player to keep an eye on in McShay’s mock draft. However, what might leave some Buckeye fans stunned is McShay’s ranking of Henderson. While running backs have somewhat fallen out of favor in the early rounds of the draft in recent years, McShay has Henderson listed as a first-round pick, projected to go at No. 15 overall.

Why This Would Stun Ohio State Fans: While Henderson’s talent is undeniable, the running back position has seen its value decrease in recent years, with many top-tier backs being drafted in the second or third rounds. For Ohio State fans, seeing Henderson go in the first round would be a big surprise. It would be a testament to his versatility as a runner, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and his overall impact on the game. If McShay’s projection comes to fruition, Henderson could be setting a trend in which running backs return to the forefront of the NFL Draft.

The Shock Factor: Why These Projections Are Stunners

McShay’s latest mock draft comes with its fair share of surprises, particularly for Ohio State fans who are accustomed to seeing their players picked high in the draft. The most stunning aspect of McShay’s projections for Ohio State is the high placements of several key players—especially those like Kyle McCord, who have not yet established themselves as household names at the college level.

It’s not uncommon for top-tier college programs like Ohio State to have several players drafted in the first round. However, McShay’s rankings reflect an even greater level of optimism about Ohio State’s prospects than most experts have expressed. The fact that McCord could potentially go third overall, combined with the potential for a Buckeye sweep of the top-five picks, suggests that Ohio State’s 2025 draft class could be among the most talented and highly regarded in recent memory.