NFL Draft Loaded Ohio State Roster Brings Uncomfortable Prediction for Ryan Day
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Ohio State’s talent pipeline is once again stealing headlines — but the buzz isn’t entirely celebratory. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles posted a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash, further fueling expectations that Ohio State could dominate the early portion of the upcoming NFL Draft.
The post, amplified by college football analyst Ari Wasserman, sparked a larger conversation: the Buckeyes may realistically have four players selected in the top eight picks. That projection doesn’t even account for elite names like Jeremiah Smith or Julian Sayin, both widely regarded as future high draft selections once eligible. The sheer volume of pro-ready talent coming out of Columbus has reinforced Ohio State’s status as one of college football’s premier recruiting and development machines.
Yet there’s an edge to the praise. Wasserman noted how difficult it is to win back-to-back national titles, but suggested this Ohio State roster could ultimately be remembered as “another one of the great teams that came up short.” For a program consistently stacked with NFL-caliber stars, that possibility carries weight — and pressure.
Ohio State may have four players taken in the top 8 of the NFL Draft. That also doesn’t include Jeremiah Smith or Julian Sayin. I know it’s hard to win a national title two years in a row, but man, this is going to be another one of the great teams that came up short. https://t.co/6787rdv4OV
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) February 27, 2026
The Buckeyes are no strangers to high expectations. Year after year, they send waves of players to the league. Year after year, they enter the national title conversation. But in the modern playoff era, stacking talent alone hasn’t guaranteed championships.
Ryan Day’s Legacy Debate Grows Louder
For head coach Ryan Day, the stakes continue to rise. Day has maintained one of the best winning percentages in college football since taking over the program. Recruiting remains elite. Player development is evident every April when the NFL Draft rolls around. However, the uncomfortable narrative persists: is Ohio State maximizing its championship windows?
Having four potential top-eight draft picks is a testament to coaching, evaluation, and development. It also sharpens scrutiny. When rosters are this loaded, anything short of a national championship invites second-guessing.
Fair or not, comparisons to other powerhouse programs inevitably follow. Championships often become the defining metric for elite coaches. If this Buckeyes squad falls short of the ultimate prize, the conversation surrounding Day’s tenure will only intensify.
Ohio State’s NFL success is undeniable. The looming question is whether that dominance will translate into the one achievement that quiets every debate: lifting the national championship trophy.
