Some programs win titles. Some programs send players to the NFL. Ohio State does both, and does so at a level unmatched by almost anyone else in college football. The Buckeyes tied a program record in the 2025 NFL Draft with 14 players selected, and by the time rosters were finalized, 58 former Buckeyes had secured spots across the league.
Now, just two weeks into the new season, the impact is undeniable. Ohio State alumni lead all colleges in total scrimmage yards and touchdowns at the professional level, according to new data from Deeg Sports. The numbers jump off the page:
1,327 scrimmage yards
11 total touchdowns
Far ahead of Alabama (1,185 yards) and Georgia (883 yards). The recent study has basically validated what we have been witnessing in the field. Thanks to our wide receivers, the heart of Ohio State’s claim as “WRU.” Take, for instance, Emeka Egbuka; he was selected by the Buccaneers in the first round months ago, and in Week 1, he already proved why teams are unable to stop placing bets on Buckeye talent. He made a statement when he scored the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute left. It’s not just him either. Jameson Williams, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson are just a few of the NFL standouts from Ohio State.
What makes things even crazier is how far ahead Ohio State is of the next team on the list. Ohio State’s 1,327 scrimmage yards are far more than the next team’s total, which was Alabama’s 1185 yards, followed by Georgia’s 883 yards. Seems like the other teams are not even in a close race. The same goes for yardage breakdowns and touchdowns; Ohio State’s 11 total TDs nearly double that of other schools. The Buckeyes are out there making big plays left and right, while everyone else seems to be catching up. This really seems like a complete offensive takeover.
Egbuka isn’t the only Buckeye player making waves; the Ohio State wide receiver factory has been dominating the NFL for years. Marvin Harrison Jr. led the Cardinals with five receptions, 71 yards, and a touchdown, wrapping up with a solid performance. For the Jets, Garrett Wilson was equally impressive, hauling in seven catches for 95 yards and finding the end zone, showing how much it helps to have another Buckeye talent. When no one else could get it going, it was Jaxon Smith-Njigba who stood out for the Seahawks in a tough game, pulling up nine catches for 124 yards. It’s proof of the fact that the scarlet and gray don’t fade after graduation; they just change uniforms.
Ohio State outshines Michigan in the NFL
Michigan, for all its draft headlines, doesn’t even appear in the top group for NFL offensive production this year. With 15 prospects going to the draft, it initially appeared as though they might surpass Georgia’s record for the most players drafted in a single year. With 14 players chosen by the end of the weekend, they tied the record set by their own program in 2004 but still sent a shockwave through the draft room. What’s more impressive? The most Buckeyes in the 2025 went in the first round alone: Josh Simmons, Tyleik Williams, Donovan Jackson, and Emeka Egbuka. That’s more than just a victory; it’s proof that Ohio State has a more diverse and NFL-ready talent pool than before.
And the Buckeyes’ impact extended beyond the opening round. TreVeyon Henderson, JT Tuimoloau, and Quinshon Judkins were selected early in the second round, while Jack Sawyer and Will Howard were selected later but were still seen as key contributors. The fact that the Steelers picked two players from Ohio State’s national championship team suggests how much the NFL values the program’s talent pool. A system that consistently prepares athletes for success in the professional ranks, depth, and coaching is more important than a single bright star.
Meanwhile, Michigan, despite having a few standout picks, such as Mason Graham at fifth overall, was unable to keep up. Although they tied a school record for first-round selections, Ohio State’s overall representation in every round was far superior. Despite the Wolverines’ impressive individual performance, Ohio State dominated the draft discussion in terms of both quantity and quality. The message is very clear: Ryan Day’s Buckeyes have surpassed Michigan in terms of preparing players for the NFL.