Ohio State NFL draft dominance magnifies Curt Cignetti even more

TL;DR

Ohio State's dominance in the NFL draft highlights the coaching prowess of Indiana's Curt Cignetti, despite the Buckeyes' superior talent. Indiana's success in the 2025 national championship was underscored by their effective coaching against top-tier competition.

Key points

Ohio State had more high-end talent than Indiana
Curt Cignetti's coaching led Indiana to the 2025 national championship
Fernando Mendoza scored only 13 points against Ohio State
Ohio State players Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs were top draft picks

Mentioned in this story

Ohio State BuckeyesIndiana HoosiersCurt CignettiFernando MendozaArvell ReeseSonny StylesCaleb Downs

The improbable nature of Indiana football's 2025 national championship under coach Curt Cignetti was affirmed at the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. The first round affirmed -- in case anyone doubted the point -- that the Ohio State Buckeyes had more high-end talent than the Hoosiers. Indiana was simply better-coached.

Mendoza held in check

Ohio State's defense was so good -- in 2025 generally, and specifically against Indiana -- that No. 1 NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza managed only 13 points against the Buckeyes. OSU's defensive talent was second to none in college football last season. Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs all went off the board in the first 11 picks.

Top receiver in 2026 NFL Draft

Ohio State had the first receiver off the board at this draft, with Carnell Tate going to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. The Buckeyes had a high-end threat on their offense. Combined with that knockout defense, it should have been enough to defeat just about any team, including Indiana.

Indiana defense

Indiana had a lot of good defensive players on its 2025 roster, but none were picked in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Only offensive players -- Mendoza at No. 1 and receiver Omar Cooper at 30 -- went off the board for the Hoosiers.