Mel Kiper Jr. predicts historic draft night for Ohio State football

The last time a college program had four players selected in the top 10 of an NFL Draft was in 1967, when the Michigan State Spartans set a record that has stood for nearly 60 years. It’s a mark that could finally be matched next Thursday night in Pittsburgh at the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ohio State Buckeyes have a real shot to tie that ‘67 Michigan State team with four players of their own going in the top ten.

According to Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock draft, in which he said, “To make these predictions, I'm leaning on team needs, evaluations, and what I'm hearing in conversations with execs, coaches, and scouts around the NFL. This isn't what I would do; it's what I believe each team will do once on the clock,” he has four Buckeyes landing in the top ten. Here’s where he has them going.

No. 3 pick, Arizona Cardinals, LB Arvell Reese

Arvell Reese #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against Giovanni el-Hadi #58 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What Kiper Jr. says

“New coach Mike LaFleur will want some foundational players on his defense, and Reese has a sky-high ceiling. He has extended experience at off-ball linebacker and off the edge, and Arizona could use him at either spot. His future is probably rushing the passer, though, and he had 6.5 sacks last season. The Cardinals, who were in the bottom five in pressure rate (28.5%) last season, need someone such as Reese opposite Josh Sweat in a division that features quarterbacks Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Brock Purdy.”

What we say

Arvell Reese is one of the best athletes in this class, and his ceiling is sky high. Arizona needs difference makers on defense, and Reese can be exactly that. It may take some time to figure out whether his best fit is at linebacker or as a pass rusher, but either way, he has elite potential. He has great size and speed and will only get better with more coaching.

No. 5 pick, New York Giants, S Caleb Downs

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.

What Kiper Jr. says

“If things fall this way, the Giants will have a tough call to make on three Ohio State prospects. I could see Carnell Tate as the team's No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers. I could certainly see Sonny Styles quarterbacking the defense from the middle linebacker spot. But I keep coming back to what Downs could do from the back end of this secondary. Next to Jevon Holland, his incredible instincts would pop in this defense. Downs would be the first safety taken in the top five since Eric Berry went to the Chiefs in 2010, and he'd be worth it.”

What we say

Downs is one of the best secondary players Ohio State has ever had, and the way he was used last season in Matt Patricia’s defense was special. He has an absurd football IQ, always seems to know where to be, and understands what opposing quarterbacks want to do. In John Harbaugh’s new defense, Downs could fill a role similar to what he had in Baltimore with the Swiss Army Knife that is Kyle Hamilton. A safety going top five sounds wild, but Downs is not your average safety and would instantly elevate any defense.

No. 6 pick, projected trade with Browns and Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys, LB Sonny Styles

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium.

What Kiper Jr. says

“Dallas wasn't stopping anyone last season. It allowed 6.1 yards per play, second-worst in the NFL. It allowed 30.1 points per game, worst in the NFL. And it was far and away the league's least effective defense by EPA. We've all wondered whether the Cowboys would use both of their first-round picks on defense this month, but this trade up the board might have a greater impact, even if it means sacrificing one of those Day 1 selections. Styles is my No. 4 prospect, and he is explosive (43½-inch vertical jump), rangy (4.46 in the 40-yard dash) and productive (77 tackles last season).”

What we say

Sonny Styles is a freak athlete; let’s call a spade a spade. At 6’5, 244 pounds, he ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, is physically imposing, and rarely misses tackles. If Dallas wants to fix its defense, adding Styles makes a ton of sense. He plays like a true general, always around the ball and consistently in the right place at the right time.

No. 7 pick, Washington Commanders, WR Carnell Tate

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

What Kiper Jr. says

“The Commanders need defensive help, and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. would have to get a look. But they also have their pick of the receiver class. Tate is currently my No. 2 receiver behind Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, but he's atop a lot of receiver boards around the league and doesn't come with the same injury questions Tyson does.Paired with another Ohio State product in Terry McLaurin, Tate would bring clean route running, reliability, and some big-play ability. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season en route to 875 yards and nine trips to the end zone. Considering the Commanders would be relying on Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, and Dyami Brown behind McLaurin, this makes sense.”

What we say

At first glance, Washington adding Tate feels a little surprising, but then you remember Deebo Samuel’s contract was voided, and there is not much proven receiver depth outside of Terry McLaurin. Pairing Tate with McLaurin and having Jayden Daniels throw them the ball would be intriguing. Tate was outstanding for the Buckeyes in 2025, going for nearly 900 yards and nine touchdowns while recording zero drops on 66 targets. He creates separation, has late hands, and uses his length well to beat defenders all over the field.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Mel Kiper Jr. predicts historic draft night for Ohio State football