Discover Ohio State head coach Ryan Day's impressive coaching legacy and how he's shaping future NFL stars.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to dominate the start of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs could be taken in the top 10. Wide receiver Carnell Tate is expected to be taken in the first round of the draft.
Ohio State players are much coveted in the league. The 2025 Buckeyes' class was historically good after winning the national championship. The 2026 class might even be better.
Following Urban Meyer's departure at OSU, the program didn't see a dip in recruiting when Day took over in 2019.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports ranked current college football head coaches with the most players taken in the draft. Despite only being a head coach since 2019, Day ranks No. 8 on the list, having 50 players be selected.
"Only seven seasons into his coaching career with the Buckeyes, Day has continued Ohio State's impressive streak as one of the nation's draft factories," Crawford wrote. "At the wideout position, none have been better with five first-round picks since 2022."
"Carnell Tate should be the Buckeyes' sixth this week, and Jeremiah Smith No. 7 in 2027. Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud were notable Day 1 picks at quarterback during Day's time in Columbus."
During a recent appearance on "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward," Day suggested the reason why Ohio State has players go high in the draft wasn't incidental. The Buckeyes look for players who want to push to develop into elite talent.
"But I think it's just across the board at Ohio State. There’s an expectation that when you come here, you're coming to be a first or second-rounder, regardless of your position," Day said.
"And that's it. If we don't win games and championships, they're going to find a new coach. Well, if you're not a first or second-rounder, this probably isn't the right place for you."
Day will certainly climb Crawford's list after this weekend.
The Buckeyes have plenty of talent on their roster that will intrigue NFL front offices for the 2027 NFL Draft. That roster could push for a national championship this fall.