Ohio State Buckeyes Shine in ESPN’s 2025 NFL Draft Projections

As the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, Ohio State University’s football program continues to dominate the conversation, with several of their top prospects projected to be selected in the early rounds. According to ESPN’s latest draft projections, the Buckeyes are well-represented, showcasing the program’s continued excellence in developing NFL-caliber talent. This year, multiple Ohio State players are anticipated to hear their names called in the first two rounds, reflecting the success of their recruitment strategy, player development, and on-field execution.

In 2025, the Buckeyes are expected to once again be a dominant force in the NFL Draft, with a plethora of athletes projected to go high in the order. From the offensive and defensive lines to the skilled positions, Ohio State’s draft class stands poised to impact the NFL for years to come. As the Draft draws closer, ESPN’s analysis provides insight into which players are likely to be the next Buckeyes to make a significant mark in the NFL.

Ohio State’s 2025 NFL Draft Class Overview

Ohio State’s 2025 NFL Draft class is one of the most talent-laden groups the university has produced in recent years. The Buckeyes’ consistent success on the field has translated into a pipeline of pro-ready players, many of whom will have a significant impact at the next level.

ESPN’s latest projections highlight the vast talent coming out of Columbus this year, with several players poised to hear their names called early in the Draft. Players like wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau are all expected to go in the first round, while others, including offensive linemen Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons, have received high praise and could follow shortly thereafter.

The strong representation from Ohio State is not just a reflection of individual talent but a testament to head coach Ryan Day’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier athletes. Under Day, Ohio State has cemented itself as one of the premier programs in college football and has become a go-to school for NFL scouts.

Key Players in ESPN’s 2025 Draft Projections

Emeka Egbuka: The Playmaker at Wide Receiver

One of the most highly anticipated prospects in this year’s draft is Emeka Egbuka, a dynamic wide receiver who has been a standout for the Buckeyes since his freshman year. ESPN’s draft projections have Egbuka going in the first round, with a potential pick between 20-30 overall. Known for his ability to stretch the field, Egbuka has been a critical part of Ohio State’s offense, demonstrating impressive speed, excellent route running, and the ability to make contested catches in critical moments.

Egbuka’s physicality and versatility make him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking for a wide receiver who can not only take the top off defenses but also contribute in the short-to-intermediate game. Throughout the 2024 season, Egbuka showed his worth by putting up impressive numbers, including over 1,100 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, all while being double-teamed at times. His consistency and high-level play have solidified his status as one of the top wideouts in this draft class, with NFL teams across the league showing strong interest.

TreVeyon Henderson: The Explosive Running Back

TreVeyon Henderson is another key Buckeye in the 2025 draft projections. Henderson has been a workhorse for Ohio State since he arrived on campus, and he will likely be one of the top running backs selected in this year’s draft. ESPN has Henderson going in the second round, with a potential pick between 33-50 overall. Known for his combination of power, speed, and agility, Henderson has the ability to be a game-changer at the next level.

During his time at Ohio State, Henderson proved himself to be a dual-threat, capable of breaking big plays on the ground while also contributing in the passing game. His performance in the 2024 season was a showcase of his skill set, with over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield has made him a versatile threat that NFL teams covet in today’s pass-heavy league.

Henderson’s speed and vision allow him to break tackles and turn short gains into long runs, making him a dangerous weapon in any offensive scheme. His balance, along with his ability to excel both as a runner and as a receiver, make him a desirable asset for any NFL team in need of a dynamic running back.

J.T. Tuimoloau: The Pass-Rusher with Elite Potential

Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects in Ohio State’s 2025 draft class is J.T. Tuimoloau, an edge rusher who has the potential to be a game-wrecker in the NFL. ESPN’s projections have Tuimoloau going in the first round, with a likely pick between 15-25 overall. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 270 pounds, Tuimoloau possesses the size and athleticism to dominate opposing offensive linemen at the next level.

Tuimoloau’s breakout performance came in 2024 when he recorded double-digit sacks and forced multiple turnovers. His ability to rush the passer, combined with his elite athleticism and strength, makes him a prototypical edge rusher for the NFL. His motor never stops, and he is known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, making him a valuable asset in today’s pass-rushing-centric NFL.

Tuimoloau’s ability to disrupt the pocket and his versatility to play both inside and outside on the defensive line have many NFL scouts excited about his potential. Whether as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end, Tuimoloau’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for a variety of defensive schemes.

Donovan Jackson & Josh Simmons: The Offensive Line Pillars

Ohio State’s offensive line has long been one of the team’s strengths, and two of the best prospects from the unit are Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons. Both have been projected to go in the second and third rounds, respectively, and are expected to be important contributors in the NFL immediately.

Donovan Jackson, a versatile guard who has started for the Buckeyes since his freshman year, has the quickness, strength, and football IQ to thrive at the professional level. His ability to pull, block in space, and protect the quarterback makes him an ideal fit for a team in need of a versatile interior lineman. Jackson’s projection has him going in the second round, with a potential pick between 40-55 overall.

Josh Simmons, another standout offensive lineman, has garnered attention for his ability to dominate both in pass protection and in the run game. At 6’6″ and 320 pounds, Simmons is a powerful tackle who uses his length and strength to keep defenders at bay. His high-level play in the 2024 season, along with his stellar performances in Ohio State’s playoff games, have made him a strong candidate to be selected in the third round.

The Broader Impact on Ohio State Football

The continued success of Ohio State’s players in the NFL Draft is a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent at all positions. Head coach Ryan Day, who has been at the helm since 2019, has created an environment that fosters growth and preparation for the next level. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has become a perennial powerhouse, producing NFL-caliber players year after year.

Not only does Ohio State produce a high number of draft picks, but it also consistently develops players who make an immediate impact in the NFL. The Buckeyes’ NFL legacy is built on producing both first-round talent and players who excel in later rounds, showing the program’s commitment to developing complete athletes capable of succeeding at the highest level.

This year’s draft class is no exception, with players like Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and J.T. Tuimoloau poised to be key contributors at the professional level. For Ohio State fans, watching their favorite players go from the college gridiron to the NFL is a moment of immense pride, knowing that their program continues to produce talent that shapes the future of the NFL.

Looking to the Future

As Ohio State continues to recruit top-tier talent and develop future stars, the Buckeyes’ presence in the NFL Draft will only continue to grow. With several top prospects expected to be drafted in the coming years, Ohio State’s dominance on the field is mirrored by its success in the NFL, making it one of the most respected programs in college football.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, expect Ohio State’s players to once again steal the spotlight, as they continue to prove that the Buckeyes are more than just a college football powerhouse—they are a consistent producer of NFL talent. With such a strong draft class in 2025, Ohio State’s future on the NFL stage looks brighter than ever.

This is a comprehensive 1500-word article based on Ohio State’s strong NFL Draft prospects as projected by ESPN. Let me know if you need further adjustments!