Buckeyes in the NFL: These Former Ohio State Football Players Will Standout as Rookies

Posted By on May 6, 2026

Tweet
Share
Share
0 Shares
Carnell Tate Ohio State catch
Carnell Tate | Image Credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch

Former Buckeyes Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs, and Kayden McDonald have opportunities to make significant impacts as rookies in the NFL this Fall. 

The NFL Draft has come to an end, and several key members of last season’s Ohio State roster are gearing up to begin a new chapter in their careers. Let’s take a look at which of these Buckeyes will have the most success in year one. 

Carnell Tate

Selected by the Tennessee Titans fourth overall, Carnell Tate will look to have an immediate impact in year one. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward will likely establish a connection with Tate early on, leading to targets and production. While Tate isn’t known for his speed, you would be hard-pressed to find a more reliable and talented wideout in this rookie class.

Tate will join an offense led by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, an intriguing mind that will surely use Tate the right way. Tate spent much of his college career battling for production among stars such as Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite this, Tate finished his collegiate career with 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. His accolades include a 2025 Second-team All-American and All-Big Ten selection.

Tate’s bread and butter come as a route-runner and deep threat. Tate won a staggering 86% percent of his contested targets, as Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis pointed out. The 6-foot-2 wideout runs smooth routes and will provide the Titans’ offense with the production it needs to have success in 2026.

Caleb Downs

Selected by the Dallas Cowboys, Caleb Downs enters his rookie season with a chance to become one of the best young safeties in the NFL. He joins a system led by newly-hired defensive coordinator Christian Parker. When asked about Downs, Parker told DallasCowboys.com, “He’s constantly making the right decision, constantly down in the football, constantly making contact with it, constantly just in the right spot. It’s just a smooth, smooth transition and smooth play.”

Downs has been referred to as “Coach Downs” by his Ohio State peers and will look to bring that intelligence to Dallas in year one. Downs received the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025, given to the best defensive back in the nation. In addition, he finished his career as a two-time All-American and a national champion.

Downs is widely considered to be one of the greatest safety prospects in a very long time and will look to dominate in year one.

Kayden McDonald

Kayden McDonald’s surprising slide to the second round of the NFL draft was all worth it when he was eventually selected by his hometown Houston Texans with the 36th pick. Despite his unexpected fall in the draft, McDonald brings all the potential needed to be a star on the Texans’ defensive line in 2026.
McDonald joins a defensive line unit that placed inside the top 3 in both rushing and passing yards allowed. Led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., the defense will add a key component to the rushing attack, making it a nightmare for opposing teams. McDonald was among the best in stopping the run in 2025, leading all of college football in run-stop rate according to Pro Football Focus. In addition, McDonald generated 10 total pressures as a pass rusher. McDonald finished his college career with 65 tackles and 3 sacks. His 6-foot-2, 326-pound frame will provide a much-needed cushion on the Texans’ defensive line.
With the attention likely to go towards the Houston pass rush, McDonald will see plenty of opportunities to dominate in his rookie season. Next in this series, The Silver Bulletin will evaluate former Buckeyes Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, as the Ohio State linebacker tandem wrecks the NFC East.
Tweet
Share
Share
0 Shares