• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Ohio State’s $20M Roster Sends 7 Players to NFL in First Two Rounds

Ohio State had seven players drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft—matching the ACC total and showcasing the power of its $20M NIL roster.

The Columbus Dispatch

Through the first 18 picks of the NFL Draft, no Ohio State football players had been chosen. But then, just like during the 2024–2025 College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes went on a run.

Seven Buckeyes were selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. For comparison, that’s the same number of players selected from the ACC and one more than the Big 12.

O-H in the Pros

The seven Ohio State players picked through the first two rounds: 

  • Pick 19: Emeka Egbuka, WR (Buccaneers)
  • Pick 24: Donovan Jackson, OG (Vikings)
  • Pick 28: Tyleik Williams, DT (Lions)
  • Pick 32: Josh Simmons, OT (Chiefs)
  • Pick 36: Quinshon Judkins, RB (Browns)
  • Pick 38: TreVeyon Henderson, RB (Patriots)
  • Pick 45: JT Tuimoloau, DE (Colts)

Despite its riches, Ohio State also has the clout to recruit NFL prospects straight out of high school. Just two of the seven OSU draftees were transfers: offensive tackle Josh Simmons transferred from San Diego State after the 2022 season, and running back Quinshon Judkins came over from Ole Miss after the 2023 season. The remaining five—receiver Emeka Egbuka, guard Donovan Jackson, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and edge JT Tuimoloau—were members of the 2021 freshman recruiting class. 

Ohio State still has a ways to go to challenge Georgia’s record for the most players drafted in a single year, with 15 players going in 2022. Since the draft expanded to seven rounds in 1994, Ohio State has had double-digit draftees four times, most recently in 2021. 

Buckeye Bankroll

The Buckeyes beat Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship in January after spending roughly $20 million in NIL (name, image, and likeness) funds to lure players to the Big Ten powerhouse. Its college football spending dwarfed what many schools spent across all their sports.

Since the NCAA removed restrictions that forced athletes who switch schools to sit out a year, football teams have looked to the transfer portal to stock their rosters. By mid-April this year, 3,200 players had entered the transfer portal, with the bulk of them on FBS scholarships.

Players move for any number of reasons, with some seeking more playing time, following a coach, or looking for FBS exposure. But schools like OSU with large warchests and powerful NIL collectives can also sweeten the pot with NIL cash.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL

30 NFL Second Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
Cobh Ramblers
exclusive

Ireland’s Ramblers Latest Soccer Club to Gain U.S. Owner

The Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.
Stephen Curry celebrates after sinking the winning putt during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., Sunday, July 16, 2023.
July 10, 2025

Golf’s Hottest Celebrity Tournament Keeps Getting More Exclusive

The American Century Championship tees off at Lake Tahoe on Friday.
July 11, 2025

All-Star Game Returns to Atlanta With Big Plans After 2021 Exit

The league’s jewel event is set to be a global showcase for The Battery.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Bruce Meyer and Tony Clark of the MLBPA
July 10, 2025

MLB, Players’ Union Spar Over Salary Cap As Labor Fight Looms

The MLB Players Association’s No. 2 executive outlines what he sees owners doing.
May 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
July 10, 2025

How Does the NBA Salary Cap Work?

The NBA salary cap gives teams a spending limit for their rosters.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell during the NFLPA press conference at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
July 10, 2025

NFLPA Head Has Side Hustle With PE Firm That Can Invest in..

The NFLPA’s executive director is embroiled in multiple controversies.
July 10, 2025

Murphy: Club WC Snags Won’t Derail Biggest Event ‘in Human History’

New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium is the concluding site of both FIFA events.