Buckeyes left tackle Josh Simmons declares for NFL Draft

COLUMBUS — Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons has declared for the NFL Draft, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Here’s what Schefter said:

“Josh will be fully cleared for practice by the start of NFL training camp and he will be a high first-round pick,” said Rosenhaus, who will represent Simmons.

Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons has declared for the NFL draft. Simmons had season-ending knee surgery after the Oregon game, but his new agent Drew Rosenhaus said surgery went well and he’s already ahead of schedule with his rehab. “Josh will be fully cleared for… pic.twitter.com/XQfqxolo4K

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2024

Simmons went down on the field at Autzen Stadium on Oct. 12 on the final play of the first quarter in the Buckeyes 32-31 loss to Oregon. He was carted off the field, taken into the locker room and held out for the rest of the game.

Ohio State struggled to replace the production of Simmons after his injury, turning first to backup left tackle Zen Michalski and then left guard Donovan Jackson at left tackle. Michalski was injured in the next game, clearing the way for Jackson to become the full-time left tackle.

Simmons had one year of eligibility remaining, and Ohio State had some optimism that he could return to anchor the Buckeyes offensive line and solidify himself as a first-round draft choice.

Instead, he’s heading to the NFL Draft to begin his pro football career. And Ohio State will need to find a way to replace him at left tackle next season.