Where Buckeyes stars land on Mel Kiper's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is the No. 1 team in the country because it is loaded with future NFL talents on both sides of the ball.
And ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the original NFL Draft expert who has been doing this for more than 40 years, has Buckeyes players littered all over his initial big board for the NFL Draft this coming spring.
It all starts with a new face, Arvell Reese, who has skyrocketed up NFL Draft boards in just six games as a starting linebacker for the Buckeyes. Reese is Kiper’s top off-ball linebacker and No. 4 overall player available for the NFL Draft. Here’s what Kiper said about Reese:
This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can’t make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.
– Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Another Buckeyes player is in Kiper’s Top 10, and it’s another defender. Superstar safety Caleb Downs, a unanimous All-American from last season, is Kiper’s No. 1 safety and No. 7 overall player available.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Report card
Grading Buckeyes blowout win over Wisconsin
- 2Trending
Buckeye Leaves
Julian Sayin, defensive stars shine in latest blowout win
- 3New
Recruits react
Buckeyes shutout win over Wisconsin has commits, top targets excited
- 4
Young stars emerging for OSU
Three Buckeyes emerging, pushing for bigger roles after Wisconsin win
- 5Breaking
AP Poll
Buckeyes remain No. 1 after another wild college football weekend
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Here’s what Kiper said about Downs:
His football knowledge shows in his play; it’s obvious when you watch him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban’s system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.
He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.
– Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Then there’s Carnell Tate, who Kiper has as the No. 3 wide receiver and No. 12 overall player available in the draft as a third-year player. Tate has 28 catches for 476 yards and four touchdown grabs through the first six games of the season, second on the team behind only Jeremiah Smith.
Here’s what Kiper said about Tate:
Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he’ll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see.
– Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Kiper has plenty of Buckeyes littered through his top 10 at each position. Lettermen Row has a rundown of all of them:
+ Carnell Tate — No. 3 wide receiver
+ Max Klare — No. 2 tight end
+ Caden Curry — No. 7 defensive end
+ Kayden McDonald — No. 6 defensive tackle
+ Arvell Reese — No. 1 off-ball linebacker
+ Sonny Styles — No. 5 off-ball linebacker
+ Caleb Downs — No. 1 safety