How Many Ohio State Buckeyes Will Get Drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Menace2Sports with Zach Smith1h 18mApril 22, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Menace2Sports with Zach Smith, the hosts dive into the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, focusing heavily on Ohio State's projected draft class. Zach and Chris debate the number of Buckeyes likely to be drafted, with Zach predicting 10-11 total selections, including five first-rounders (Arvell, Caleb, Sonny, Carnell, Caden McDonald), and potential late-round picks like Lorenzo Stiles Jr. and Will Kaczmarek. They analyze player projections, mock drafts, and the impact of speed and film quality, especially for players like Caden Curry and Stiles, who could be value picks in the later rounds. The conversation shifts to broader college football topics, including the decline of Alabama’s dominance after Nick Saban’s departure, the rise of Indiana under Curt Cignetti, and the cultural fallout among Bama fans. The hosts also critique Lincoln Riley’s claim of a 'championship window' at USC, calling it performative, and discuss the potential expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, questioning its logic and fairness. Throughout, the tone is energetic, opinionated, and deeply engaged with football culture, fan psychology, and the business side of the sport.

Key Takeaways
1

Ohio State is projected to have 10-11 players drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, with five first-rounders expected.

2

Late-round value picks like Lorenzo Stiles Jr. and Caden Curry could deliver high returns due to elite athleticism and speed.

3

Lincoln Riley’s claim of a 'championship window' at USC is dismissed as fake confidence, not backed by results.

4

The potential 24-team College Football Playoff is criticized as driven by revenue, not competitive integrity.

5

Alabama’s fan base is experiencing a psychological collapse after being dethroned by Indiana, symbolizing a shift in college football power.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

NFL Draft Eve Hype & Ohio State Draft Outlook

β€œI think we have four in the top 10. But how many others? What's the total number of drafted Buckeyes? I think the record's 15.”

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Top Coaches by First-Round Picks

The hosts tackle a draft trivia question on the most first-round picks produced by college football coaches. They identify Nick Saban at the top, followed by Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden, and tied at 23 with Urban Meyer and Mack Brown.

20:00
10 min

Schools with Number One Overall Picks in Football & Basketball

The hosts explore the 12 schools that have produced a number one overall pick in both college football and basketball. They identify Ohio State, Utah, Oklahoma, UCLA, Kentucky, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State, NC State, and Notre Dame.

30:00
10 min

Ohio State Draft Projections: First Round to Day Three

β€œI think he'll go after. Wow. I think it's not even close prospect. I think not even close Jack Sawyer is a better prospect than him.”

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Sponsor Breaks & Personal Health Transformations

Commercial segments for Hims (hair loss), Awaken 180 (weight loss), and Ethos (life insurance) are featured. Zach shares personal success stories from listeners who transformed their lives with the programs.

High-Impact Quotes
β€œIt's like, hey, not only are you not there anymore, fucking Indiana is sitting on the throne.”
β€” Chrisβ€’34:05
Viral: 88.0
β€œYou're adding games. You don't need to add opportunities to get a star player injured and then eventually finding out that – just imagine a world where last year's Indiana has to play an extra game.”
β€” Zach Smithβ€’59:31
Viral: 85.0
β€œIt's no different than Shane Beamer last year knowing he's going to be on the hot seat. Him saying, I'm telling you, this thing's... We're here now.”
β€” Zach Smithβ€’46:22
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

Zach SmithChris
Topics Discussed
Ohio State Buckeyes NFL Draft Projections95%College Football Playoff Expansion90%Alabama Football Decline88%Lincoln Riley & USC Coaching Critique85%Late-Round Draft Value Picks80%College Football Coaching Specialization75%Fan Culture & Meme Warfare70%NIL & Transfer Portal Impact65%
People & Brands

Zach Smith

person

120xPositive

Chris

person

85xPositive

Ohio State Buckeyes

other

45xPositive

Alabama Crimson Tide

other

30xNegative

Indiana Hoosiers

other

28xPositive

USC Trojans

other

25xNegative

Lincoln Riley

person

22xNegative

2026 NFL Draft

other

20xPositive

Nick Saban

person

18xNegative

Curt Cignetti

person

15xPositive

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