Five former Ohio State Buckeyes had strong performances last weekend, as the NFL kicked off Week 1 of its football season.

The NFL season is officially here. As week one comes to a close, let’s take a look at which former Buckeyes are dominating on football’s biggest stage.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Seattle Seahawks

The NFL opened up its season on Wednesday night with a rematch of this year’s Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Just like the big game in February, the Seahawks came out on top with a 13-10 victory. Reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba picked up where he left off, converting 8 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

CJ Stroud – Houston Texans

The Houston Texans fell to the Buffalo Bills, 36-31. Former Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, who is entering his fourth season in the NFL, had a fantastic performance, throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns while completing 26-of-38 passes. Stroud and the Texans had a chance at a last-second game-winning touchdown, but Stroud was strip-sacked by Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau.

Chris Olave – New Orleans Saints

The Detroit Lions outlasted the New Orleans Saints, winning 31-30. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave had a fantastic day, catching 10 passes for 182 yards. Olave led all receivers in receiving yards in week one and currently leads the league in total receiving yards. Olave went to the team’s medical tent multiple times during the game but finished healthy.

Olave has struggled to stay on the field, but he is one of the NFL’s best when healthy. If all goes well, Olave and the Saints could be due for a good year.

Caleb Downs – Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Caleb Downs made his NFL debut on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 28-20. Downs was fantastic in the loss, recording 8 tackles and forcing a fumble on a sack. Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese had 5 tackles.

SONNY STYLES DESTROYS SAQUON BARKLEY AND SACKS JALEN HURTS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2ZN2IbFLYa

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 13, 2026

Sonny Styles – Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-22. Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles went viral on social media for his aggressive style of play, leveling running back Saquon Barkley and sacking Jalen Hurts. Styles faced criticism for his preseason play, but as his rookie season gets underway, he appears to be quieting his doubters. Styles was asked about the online criticism, stating,

“I’m used to it. I think you just keep getting better and eventually things start going the way you want them to.”

As the season goes along, Styles will most certainly be in contention for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

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