Next in Line: Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate Projected as 2026 First-Round NFL Picks, Keeping Buckeye Pipeline to the Pros Alive
Following another record-setting NFL Draft showing, Ohio State football is wasting no time proving its status as the premier talent factory in college football. Just days after 14 Buckeyes were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft—falling one short of Georgia’s all-time single-class record—attention has already shifted to the stars of the 2026 draft class. And once again, the Scarlet and Gray are poised to dominate.
According to a recent CBS Sports mock draft, two Buckeye standouts—safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Carnell Tate—are projected to be first-round selections in next year’s NFL Draft. It’s another testament to the program’s consistent ability to develop elite talent across both sides of the ball.
Caleb Downs: The Future of the Buckeye Secondary
Transferring from Alabama to Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season, Caleb Downs didn’t need long to make his presence felt. A dynamic safety with exceptional instincts, range, and leadership, Downs immediately took over as the anchor of Jim Knowles’ defense. Now, he’s being projected as the No. 10 overall pick to the New England Patriots.
If the projection holds, Downs would become the first Ohio State safety drafted in the first round since Malik Hooker in 2017, and just the latest example of how OSU has become a force in developing NFL-ready defenders.
“Downs is a game-changer,” said an anonymous NFL scout in CBS’ analysis. “He’s got the football IQ of a 10-year vet and the athleticism to match. His ceiling is All-Pro.”
Downs’ leadership off the field has also made an impression in Columbus, with coaches and teammates alike pointing to his maturity and professionalism as a cornerstone for the Buckeyes’ 2025 title aspirations.
Carnell Tate: Continuing the Wide Receiver Legacy
While Downs is holding it down on defense, Carnell Tate is next in line to carry on Ohio State’s wide receiver dynasty. Projected to be picked 14th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, Tate is expected to follow in the footsteps of first-round greats like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
In fact, if selected in the first round, Tate would mark the fifth consecutive year that Ohio State has produced a first-round receiver—an unmatched streak in college football.
Tate burst onto the scene in 2024 with explosive playmaking ability, crisp route-running, and the kind of confidence typically reserved for veterans. Coaches rave about his work ethic and attention to detail—attributes that have helped him transform into one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the nation.
“Carnell’s just different,” wide receivers coach Brian Hartline said. “He’s got the tools, the mentality, and now the experience. He’s going to be special.”
Ohio State: The NFL’s Favorite Pipeline
With 14 players drafted in 2025 and multiple projected to go early in 2026, Ohio State continues to cement its place as one of the most prolific talent pipelines in the sport. From quarterbacks to linemen, and now defensive backs and receivers, the Buckeyes are not just recruiting elite talent—they’re developing it into professional excellence.
The potential first-round selections of Downs and Tate are also symbolic of Ohio State’s national recruiting reach. Downs came from the South via Alabama, and Tate was a prized recruit from Chicago—both choosing to develop in Columbus under Ryan Day and his staff.
What’s Next for the Buckeyes
While draft projections are exciting for fans and players alike, the Buckeyes remain focused on the task ahead: a national championship. With key matchups on the horizon—like the season opener against Texas (Aug. 30), the Big Ten showdown with Penn State (Nov. 1), and “The Game” against Michigan (Nov. 29)—Ohio State knows its legacy is built on winning, not just draft picks.
But one thing is clear: the NFL sees what’s brewing in Columbus.
With Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate projected as top-tier talent in 2026, the Buckeyes aren’t just producing stars—they’re shaping the future of football, one draft class at a time.
