As the NFL approached the deadline for finalizing 53-man rosters on Sunday, a significant number of former Ohio State football players were confirmed to have made the cut. A total of 59 players who once donned the scarlet and gray will be representing various teams in the league this season, highlighting Ohio State's ongoing influence in professional football.
Among the 32 NFL teams, only five are without a former Buckeye on their roster. The Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens are the exceptions in a league that has seen a steady influx of talent from Ohio State. Notably, the count could have reached 60 if not for linebacker Jonathon Cooper of the Denver Broncos being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list due to ongoing legal issues related to domestic violence charges.
The Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals lead the way with the highest representation, each featuring six former Ohio State players on their rosters. This strong showing underscores the Buckeyes' reputation for producing NFL-ready talent, as many of these athletes transition from college stardom to professional careers.
However, the roster announcements also brought disappointment for some, as eight former Buckeyes were released from their respective teams. The players who did not make the final cuts include cornerback Eli Apple from the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Xavier Johnson from the Cincinnati Bengals, and safety Tanner McCalister along with defensive end Tyreke Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs. Other notable releases were guard Michael Jordan and cornerback Shaun Wade from the Philadelphia Eagles, defensive tackle Tywone Malone Jr. from the Carolina Panthers, running back CJ Donaldson Jr. from the New Orleans Saints, linebacker Malik Harrison from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes from the Tennessee Titans.
In a remarkable twist, two undrafted former Ohio State players managed to secure spots on NFL rosters as undrafted free agents. Seth McLaughlin, a former center and Rimington Award winner, was retained by the Detroit Lions, while offensive lineman Josh Fryar earned a spot with the Arizona Cardinals. Their success serves as an inspiring reminder that talent can be recognized and rewarded, regardless of the draft process.
As the NFL season unfolds, the presence of 59 former Ohio State players will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Their performances will not only reflect their individual skills but also the strength of the Ohio State football program, which continues to be a fertile ground for professional talent. The Buckeyes' ability to produce players who can compete at the highest level of football remains a point of pride for the university and its supporters.
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