As the NFL draft approaches, several former players from Ohio State are set to showcase their skills in various all-star games, hoping to enhance their draft prospects. Davison Igbinosun will be participating in the Senior Bowl, while CJ Donaldson is slated for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Additionally, Ethan Onianwa and John Ferlmann will play in the American Bowl, taking place in Lakeland, Florida.
These athletes are looking to make a strong impression over the next ten days, donning the Ohio State helmet one last time. The American Bowl, a relatively new pre-draft showcase, will occur on Thursday night, and Donaldson will take the field at the Shrine Bowl on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas. Igbinosun will conclude this series of events by playing in the Senior Bowl on Saturday, February 1, in Mobile, Alabama.
Igbinosun stands out as the top prospect among the former Buckeyes participating in these events. He is currently viewed as the only guaranteed draft selection among his peers. Several other notable Buckeyes, projected to be first or middle-round picks, will not be participating in these showcases, including Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate. Igbinosun, who had previously expressed his intention to return to school to secure a first-round draft spot, is currently projected as a third-round pick, according to various mock drafts.
In 2024, he was known as college football”s most penalized defender but significantly improved in 2025, reducing his penalties from 13 to just five. As Ohio State”s premier cornerback, he limited opponents to only 16 receptions for 167 yards on 39 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. His statistics include two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and 53 tackles. At 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Igbinosun possesses the physical attributes necessary to become a starter in the NFL, provided he maintains his discipline on the field.
Meanwhile, tight end Will Kacmarek, recognized by coach Ryan Day as an unsung hero, had also accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. However, as of Thursday, his status for the game was uncertain. Regardless, Kacmarek is projected as a Day 3 draft pick, especially as a blocking tight end. His participation could allow him to display his receiving capabilities further, having caught only 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns during his time at Ohio State.
CJ Donaldson transferred to Ohio State last offseason with hopes of enhancing his draft status but faced challenges in achieving expected production during his lone season. He scored 10 touchdowns but only managed 361 rushing yards on 96 attempts, marking a significant drop in his average yards per carry compared to previous seasons. Initially starting as Ohio State”s running back, Donaldson lost his position on the depth chart to Bo Jackson after non-conference play. His limited production necessitates a standout performance at the Shrine Bowl to bolster his draft stock.
Ethan Onianwa, on the other hand, has a pressing need to impress at the American Bowl. Once seen as a potential top-100 draft pick after his transfer from Rice, he struggled to secure a starting role at Ohio State, logging only 96 offensive snaps as a backup. Now projected to go undrafted, Onianwa will try to leverage his experience to remind scouts of his potential.
Similarly, John Ferlmann faces an uphill battle to get drafted, given the nature of his position as a long snapper. However, he has demonstrated accuracy in his snaps throughout his time at Ohio State and could potentially catch the attention of NFL teams.
A total of 15 members from the 2025 Ohio State football team are candidates for the 2026 NFL draft, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The full list of Buckeyes aspiring to play professionally next season is available for those interested in following their progress.
