Unpack Ohio State's most dominant draft classes since 2000, from Urban Meyer's champions to Ryan Day's recruiting phenoms shaping the NFL.
Ohio State has put together incredible draft classes in recent memory.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a draft pick from 2024, was a key piece of the Seattle Seahawks team that won the Super Bowl in January.
But plenty of other Buckeyes are making an impact in the league.
Before winning the national championship, head coach Ryan Day received plenty of criticism for not beating Michigan and winning titles with elite players. One thing is for certain: Day is an awesome recruiter.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports ranked the most impressive draft classes since 2000. One of Day's teams made the top 3. He ranked the 2025 class at No. 3, right behind the 2020 LSU team and 2022 Georgia team.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, defensive tackle Tyliek Williams, and offensive lineman Josh Simmons were taken in the first round last year.
"Coming off a national championship, the Buckeyes tied the program record with 14 picks, including dual 1,000-yard rushers TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, along with quarterback Will Howard," Crawford wrote.
"Defensive end Jack Sawyer, the hero of Ohio State's playoff win over Texas with a fumble return for a touchdown in the final moments, was selected at No. 123 overall and was the third of four defensive linemen from a talented position group to hear his name called."
Egbuka was a revelation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. He could become one of the best receivers in the league as he develops.
Two other Buckeyes classes made the list.
Urban Meyer's 2016 team with first-round picks Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Eli Apple, Taylor Decker, and Darron Lee ranked No. 4. Bosa is still dominating in the league.
Jim Tressell's 2004 team ranked No. 8 with Will Smith, Chris Gamble, and Michael Jenkins going in the first round.
The 2026 Buckeyes might eclipse those teams. Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate, and Caleb Downs could be taken in the first round, and likely three of those will be taken in the top 10.
Ohio State is a pipeline to the NFL for recruits, and they have plenty of talent on the 2026 roster that could make an impact on the league in 2027.