COLUMBUS, Ohio — The NFL just sent a clear message to the rest of the football world: the road to the 2026 Draft runs directly through Columbus. On Feb. 11, the league confirmed that 11 Ohio State Buckeyes have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This elite group leads a total pool of 319 prospects descending on Lucas Oil Stadium from February 23 through March 2.
Defensive Dominance: Reese and Downs Aim for the Top 3
Despite a stinging quarterfinal exit against Miami on New Year’s Eve, the Buckeyes’ defensive roster remains the gold standard for NFL scouts. Linebacker Arvell Reese has seen his stock explode. Standing 6’4” and weighing 243 lbs, Reese thrived in a hybrid role under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, a coach who knows a thing or two about elite defensive schemes. Scouts are currently mocking Reese as high as No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, citing his 13% pass-rush win rate and sideline-to-sideline range as “foundational.”
Right behind him is Caleb Downs. The nation’s premier safety is a lock for a top-five selection, with the Arizona Cardinals looking like a prime destination at No. 3. Arizona needs a successor for Budda Baker, and Downs—a Jim Thorpe Award winner—is the most complete defensive back to enter the draft in a generation. He doesn’t just play the position; he erases portions of the field.
The Next Wave of Buckeye Stars
The talent doesn’t stop at the top of the board. Wide receiver Carnell Tate proved he could lead an offense even when the spotlight was elsewhere, hauling in 51 catches for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025. Projections have him landing with the New York Giants at No. 5, creating a terrifying duo with Malik Nabers.
In the trenches and the second level, the depth is staggering. Sonny Styles, the former safety turned linebacker, is a “freak athlete” projected to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12. Meanwhile, 326-pound defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is a projected first-round fit for the Chicago Bears at No. 25, offering the kind of interior anchor that forces offensive coordinators to tear up their game plans.
2026 Ohio State Combine Invitees
- Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE) – Projected: No. 2 to NY Jets
- Caleb Downs (Safety) – Projected: No. 3 to Arizona Cardinals
- Carnell Tate (Wide Receiver) – Projected: No. 5 to NY Giants
- Sonny Styles (Linebacker) – Projected: No. 12 to Dallas Cowboys
- Kayden McDonald (Defensive Tackle) – Projected: No. 25 to Chicago Bears
- Max Klare (Tight End) – Projected: No. 71 to Washington Commanders
- Davison Igbinosun (Cornerback) – Projected: No. 90 to Miami Dolphins
- Caden Curry (Edge) – Projected: 4th Round to NE Patriots
- Will Kacmarek (Tight End) – Projected: 7th Round to NE Patriots
- CJ Donaldson (Running Back) – Projected: 7th Round to Pittsburgh Steelers
- Lorenzo Styles Jr. (DB/Special Teams) – Projected: UDFA to NY Jets
“We didn’t finish the season the way we wanted in the playoffs, but this group’s work ethic is undeniable. Seeing 11 of my brothers going to Indy… it tells you everything about the standard we set here.”
— Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Draft Implications: The Patriots and Jets Connection
Keep a close eye on the AFC East during this draft cycle. Both the New York Jets and New England Patriots appear heavily invested in the Buckeye pipeline. The Jets are looking for a defensive identity with Reese, while the Patriots, led by former Buckeye Mike Vrabel’s influence, have been linked to late-round steals like Caden Curry. Curry led the Buckeyes with 11.0 sacks in his senior campaign and possesses the high-motor versatility the Patriots covet. If New England can snag Curry in the fourth round, it could be the steal of the 2026 class.
