The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a potentially historic moment at the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place in April. The team showcased its talent at the recent NFL Scouting Combine, where linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese delivered standout performances. Additionally, safety Caleb Downs solidified his position as the leading safety in this draft class, while wide receiver Carnell Tate continued to assert his case as the best player in his position.
Following their impressive showings in Indianapolis, speculation has arisen regarding the possibility of Ohio State achieving a new record by having four players selected within the Top-10 picks. Esteemed draft analyst Todd McShay, in a discussion on the “Wake Up Barstool” show, expressed confidence in this outcome. He stated, “I think it”s a lock that Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles are going. I think it”s pretty close to a lock that Caleb Downs, the safety, is going. And Carnell Tate would be the one where you say, “Well, is he at that level at the wide receiver position?” My answer would be, “Yes!””
McShay highlighted that some teams still regard Jordyn Tyson as the top wide receiver, but noted that Tate”s consistent performance has made him a favorite among most teams who see him as the first receiver off the board. He elaborated on the potential for all four Ohio State players to be chosen within the first eight picks, saying, “So now you start asking the question, “Could it be Top-7? Top-8? Quite honestly, what”s to say that Arvell Reese doesn”t go 2, Sonny Styles doesn”t go 3, Caleb Downs doesn”t go somewhere in the Top-5, and maybe Carnell Tate goes eight to the New Orleans Saints?”
McShay emphasized that there is a legitimate chance for all four players to be selected in the Top-10, stating, “If you gave me the odds right now, I”d probably take that all four guys will be gone in the Top-10.” This would be a significant achievement, as Reese and Downs have been regarded as near locks for a Top-10 selection for a while now. Although Tate may not be unanimously considered the best wide receiver, he is certainly in the conversation, depending on team preferences.
Teams like the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs, who hold picks in the sixth through ninth positions, will be closely monitoring Tate”s status. Styles, however, may emerge as the wildcard following his exceptional Combine performance, possibly elevating his draft stock significantly. McShay suggested that Styles could even be projected as high as the third overall pick.
Historically, only two teams have placed four players in the Top-10 of any draft: Notre Dame in 1946 and Michigan State in 1967. With Ohio State already holding the record for the most first-round draft picks in history, achieving this milestone would further cement their legacy within NCAA football. Regardless of how the draft unfolds, Ohio State is poised to have a strong presence in the first round.
