The Ohio State Buckeyes may have ended their 2025 season on a disappointing note, but one undeniable strength of the program remains: its ability to develop NFL-level talent. Year after year, the Buckeyes send multiple players to the professional ranks, many of whom go on to have successful careers at the next level. And in the recent NFL Divisional Round, Ohio State achieved a feat that 135 other FBS programs will surely envy.
The Buckeyes have long been known for producing top-notch talent that goes on to have successful careers in the NFL. From legends like Eddie George and Orlando Pace to recent stars like Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State has consistently churned out players who have made an impact at the highest level of football.
But what sets Ohio State apart from other college programs is their ability to not only produce NFL talent, but to develop it as well. This was evident in the recent NFL Divisional Round, where a total of 14 Ohio State alumni took to the field, the most of any college program. These players represented six different teams, showcasing the widespread impact of Ohio State’s talent development.
The impressive list of Buckeyes in the Divisional Round includes defensive standouts like Nick and Joey Bosa, Marshon Lattimore, and Malik Hooker, as well as offensive weapons like Michael Thomas, Ezekiel Elliott, and Terry McLaurin. These players have all had significant contributions to their teams throughout the season, and their success is a testament to the coaching and development they received at Ohio State.
Not only did Ohio State have the most alumni in the Divisional Round, but they also had the most players on the field for any one team. The New Orleans Saints, who faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had a total of five Ohio State alumni on their roster. This includes standout players such as Michael Thomas, Marshon Lattimore, and Malcolm Jenkins, who have all been major factors in the Saints’ success this season.
But it’s not just the sheer number of Ohio State alumni in the Divisional Round that sets the program apart. It’s the impact these players have on their teams and the league as a whole. Take running back Ezekiel Elliott, for example. In his five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Elliott has been a dominant force, accumulating over 7,000 yards rushing and earning two Pro Bowl selections. He is widely considered one of the best running backs in the league and a key piece of the Cowboys’ offense.
Then there’s cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has been a shutdown defender for the New Orleans Saints since being drafted in 2017. Lattimore has been selected to the Pro Bowl in three of his four seasons and has solidified himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. And let’s not forget about wide receiver Michael Thomas, who holds the record for most receptions in a single season and has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons with the Saints.
These are just a few examples of the impact Ohio State alumni have in the NFL. But it’s not just the star players who make a difference. Ohio State consistently produces solid, reliable players who contribute to their teams in various ways. From special teams aces to role players on offense and defense, Buckeyes are making an impact at every level in the NFL.
So while the Buckeyes may have fallen short in their quest for a national championship in the 2025 season, they can take pride in the fact that their program continues to produce top-tier NFL talent. Ohio State’s ability to develop players and prepare them for the next level is unmatched by any other college program, and this is something that 135 other FBS teams can only envy.
As the NFL playoffs continue and the Super Bowl draws near, it’s clear that Ohio State is once again making its mark on the biggest stage in football. The Buckeyes’ presence in the Divisional Round is a testament to their commitment to developing players and their continued success in producing top NFL talent. And as long as Ohio State continues to prioritize player development, we can expect to see more Buckeyes making a name for themselves in the NFL in the years to come.
In conclusion, while the Buckeyes may have ended their season with a loss, they can take solace in the fact that their program is still a powerhouse when it comes to developing NFL talent. The impressive showing of 14 Buckeyes
