Ohio State Buckeyes Well Represented in Latest ESPN NFL Draft Projections

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, and their presence in the NFL Draft continues to shine through each year. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN’s latest projections highlight the exceptional talent emerging from Columbus, with several Buckeyes expected to hear their names called early in the draft. Ohio State’s reputation for producing elite prospects, especially at key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back, is evident in the draft class that has caught the attention of NFL scouts.

In this article, we will explore the top Ohio State players in ESPN’s NFL Draft projections, analyze their college careers, examine their strengths, and predict how their skills could translate to the next level. As we move forward, we will also look at the impact of Ohio State’s consistently successful football program on the broader NFL landscape.

Ohio State has a storied history of producing top-tier talent for the NFL. From legendary players like Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Chris Carter to more recent stars like Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State has been at the forefront of college football in terms of developing players who go on to have successful professional careers.

In fact, the Buckeyes are known for having one of the most successful pipelines to the NFL, with a reputation for grooming players to thrive in the pro game. The 2025 NFL Draft is no different, as Ohio State will likely have a significant number of players selected, especially considering the talent on both sides of the ball in recent seasons.

The 2025 NFL Draft is poised to showcase some of the most talented Buckeyes in recent memory. Below, we’ll break down the key players from Ohio State who are expected to make a splash in the draft based on ESPN’s projections and their performances during their college careers.

It’s hard to overstate the potential of Marvin Harrison Jr. as an NFL prospect. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Jr. has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football. As a sophomore, he put together a monstrous 2023 season, showcasing his elite skills as a route runner, his incredible hands, and his ability to make explosive plays in big moments.

Standing 6’4” and weighing around 210 pounds, Harrison Jr. combines size and athleticism in a way that makes him a nightmare for defenders. His smooth release off the line of scrimmage, combined with excellent footwork, allows him to separate from defenders with ease. His route-running ability, particularly on deep routes, is among the best in the nation. He’s also a big-play threat, able to go up and win contested catches or make defenders miss after the catch.

NFL scouts are salivating over his potential, as he’s a well-rounded receiver capable of excelling at all levels of the field. The only question that remains is whether he will be the first wide receiver taken in the 2025 NFL Draft or if other prospects like LSU’s Kayshon Boutte or USC’s Zachariah Branch will challenge him for that distinction.

Ohio State has produced some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks over the years, including Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields. Kyle McCord is poised to continue this tradition as he heads into the 2025 draft. After a strong 2023 season as the starting quarterback, McCord has shown flashes of brilliance as both a pocket passer and a playmaker who can lead an offense down the field with confidence.

McCord’s game is built around his ability to make precise throws, especially on short and intermediate routes. He has a strong arm, and his deep ball is one of the more accurate in college football. However, McCord’s mechanics remain a work in progress, and he’ll need to further refine his decision-making and consistency to be ready for the NFL. Still, there’s no denying that he possesses the physical tools to succeed at the next level.

At 6’3” and 215 pounds, McCord has the size and athleticism to thrive in the NFL, and he could develop into a reliable starting quarterback with the right coaching. While he may not be the top QB in this draft class, McCord’s upside makes him a tantalizing option for teams looking for a potential future franchise quarterback.

J.T. Tuimoloau is an absolute force on the defensive line for Ohio State. A versatile edge rusher who can line up both inside and outside, Tuimoloau is a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 270 pounds, he has the size to disrupt both the passing and running games. His combination of speed, strength, and agility makes him a highly effective pass rusher, while his ability to play the run shows his complete skill set.

In 2023, Tuimoloau showcased his ability to make game-changing plays, including a dominant performance against Penn State in which he registered multiple sacks and an interception. His relentless motor and high football IQ make him one of the most well-rounded defensive players in the 2025 draft class.

NFL teams are likely to be drawn to his versatility, as he can line up across multiple positions on the defensive line and provide significant disruption to offenses. With his elite physical tools and developing technique, Tuimoloau is expected to be one of the top defensive prospects in the upcoming draft.

Cade Stover is one of the most underrated players on Ohio State’s roster heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6’5”, 250-pound tight end has been a reliable weapon for Ohio State, both as a pass catcher and a blocker. His size and athleticism give him the potential to be a mismatched nightmare for defenses, especially in the passing game. Stover’s hands are reliable, and he’s shown the ability to create separation from defenders with his route-running.

While he may not have the same high profile as some of the other top-tier prospects, Stover’s all-around game and ability to contribute in multiple facets make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a well-rounded tight end. He may not be the flashiest prospect, but his versatility and potential to develop into a reliable target at the next level make him a solid pick for teams in need of a tight end.

At 6’8” and 360 pounds, Dawand Jones is a physical specimen. As one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football, Jones has the size, strength, and agility to be a force at the NFL level. His massive frame allows him to overpower defenders in the running game, while his surprising athleticism allows him to protect the quarterback in pass protection.

Jones is a key piece of Ohio State’s offensive line and has shown his ability to excel against some of the top defensive linemen in the nation. His development as a pass blocker has been impressive, and he’s someone who could be a Day 1 starter at tackle for an NFL team in need of a franchise offensive lineman. His size alone will make him one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the draft, and his upside as a projectable starting tackle could make him an early pick.

Denzel Burke is one of the top cornerbacks in college football and a key player for Ohio State’s secondary. Standing at 6’1” and with an excellent combination of speed and ball skills, Burke is a true shutdown corner. His ability to match up with top wide receivers and create turnovers has made him a standout player for the Buckeyes.

Burke’s ability to lock down receivers and his knowledge of the game make him a potential starter at cornerback in the NFL. While he may not be a top-10 pick, his skills and potential make him an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable corner. Burke’s projected position in the second or third round is a reflection of his solid play and the high demand for cornerbacks in today’s NFL.

Ohio State continues to have a profound impact on the NFL, both in terms of individual talent and team success. The Buckeyes’ consistent ability to develop players who excel at the next level is a testament to the program’s coaching and its emphasis on player development. Whether it’s through producing elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive players, or offensive linemen, Ohio State has become a go-to school for NFL scouts looking for top-tier talent.

In addition to individual players, Ohio State’s offensive and defensive schemes have also influenced the NFL. The Buckeyes’ spread offense and fast-paced playcalling have been adopted by several NFL teams, and their emphasis on speed, agility, and versatility has made their players highly coveted in the professional ranks.

As we look forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, Ohio State’s representation is once again impressive, with multiple players expected to be selected in the early rounds. From Marvin Harrison Jr. to J.T. Tuimoloau and others, Ohio State continues to be a top producer of NFL talent. This tradition shows no signs of slowing down, and the impact of the Buckeyes on the NFL will likely continue for many years to come.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are well represented in the latest ESPN NFL Draft projections, and this year’s class is no exception. With standout players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyle McCord, J.T. Tuimoloau, and others, Ohio State’s pipeline to the NFL remains as strong as ever. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Buckeye fans and NFL scouts alike will be closely watching to see how these players perform and which teams will land some of the most exciting talent in the country.

Whether these players become household names in the NFL or continue Ohio State’s tradition of success, one thing is certain: the Buckeyes will continue to be a dominant force in the NFL Draft for years to come.