For Ohio State, a program known for sending a significant number of players to the draft, the 2026 season is set to become a cosmic plot twist. The Buckeyes had 14 players drafted in the 2025 NFL draft. The program expected the same this year. However, the portal exits have caused a vacuum, and forced Ryan Day’s hand.

Ohio State’s 2025 roster had a total of 12 players eligible to enter the 2026 NFL draft who could have otherwise also continued to play at OSU. But Ryan Day’s potential persuasion has seen 7 of them return in 2026. Among the returning talent are WR Brandon Inniss, LT Austin Siereveld, LG Luke Montgomery, and Center Carson Hinzman. Along with these players, OSU fans would also be happy to see Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Jermaine Mathews Jr. feature in the secondary as well in the coming season.

While some players are returning, we can’t take portal exits out of the equation. The Buckeyes were hit hard on both sides of the ball, losing key offensive weapons like WR Quincy Porter, WR Mylan Graham and RB James Peoples, while the defense saw cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. exit, leaving the depth chart depleted. In total, the school lost 33 players this month.

While returning production is just one aspect of building the roster, Ryan Day has also relied on the portal to offset the losses. The head coach has added players like DL James Smith and Qua Russaw from Alabama. Linebacker Christian Alliegro from Wisconsin also came to Columbus.

“We all know what needs to be done here. When you look at the guys that we have returning and the guys who we are bringing in from the portal, we feel strong about it,” Day said on January 15. “We still have some work to do here down the stretch, but we’ve got a good combination of older players who are back, portal guys, and young, really talented players.”

This trend of players staying put marks a significant shift for a program that has been a reliable NFL pipeline, sending 10 players to the league in 2021, seven in 2022, and another six in 2023. That consistency was a major recruiting tool, which makes this year’s retention effort all the more noteworthy.

“Before I committed, I knew Chris Olave was going in the first round, and I knew Garrett Wilson was going in the first round. I just wanted to go and be the next guy,” Jaxson Smith-Njigba said after his 2023 draft selection by the Seahawks.

Many then expected the same fate for this year, but Ohio State has faced a historic attrition onslaught due to a single portal window. Rebuilding from scratch will take time. But are these players being handed substantial NIL offers to return?

Why are Ohio State players forgoing joining the NFL?

Ohio State has always shown eagerness to spend on its players. The 2024 roster reportedly cost them a whopping $20 million, and the 2025 one was tipped to be valued at $35 million. The returning veterans would easily command substantial NIL offers. But the players’ return isn’t just about NIL money.

“I got business to handle. I’m back,” wrote Brandon Inniss on X. Whereas Luke Montgomery showcased his love for Ohio State in his return message. “Love this place and the people 🌰🌰.” The sentiment is clear from the players, and Ryan Day has finally found a quick fix to correct his roster attrition woes. Players would bolster their stock for one more year, and Ohio State will build a winning squad. It’s a win-win situation.

Despite convincing seven players to return, OSU has still seen five key players depart for the NFL, who otherwise could have returned to play more at The Shoe. That includes safety Caleb Downs, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and tight end Max Klare. Klare enters more as a dark horse candidate, with a third or fourth round pick in his future.

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Apart from these 5 there were also 10 Seniors who were done with college ball. Some of the important names that pop out are LB Sonny Styles, DE Caden Curry, CB Davison Igbinosun, TE Will Kacmarek, and more. Ryan Day was getting hit from both sides and did the best he could to salvage his roster’s stability and competence.

All things considered, Ryan Day is navigating the transfer portal challenge not just by bringing portal players but by also bringing back his own players. It remains to be seen if the strategy works and OSU is able to makes another natty run in 2026.