The Ohio State had a spectacular 2026 NFL Draft. While they celebrated with a nation-leading 11 picks, including four in the first eleven selections, the glory didn’t extend to every prospect, as six Buckeyes were left undrafted.

Coming from a premier talent factory like Ohio State usually guarantees draft success. However, the harsh NFL reality proved otherwise. From poorly timed injuries to tough positional limits and delayed breakouts, these six Buckeyes show that wearing scarlet and gray doesn’t always secure a pick, pushing them to prove themselves in free agency.

CJ Donaldson Jr. (RB)

CJ Donaldson Jr. was arguably the biggest snub of the weekend; despite 40 career rushing touchdowns and a pre-draft visit with the Steelers, the running back, ranked by ESPN as the No. 7 available on Day 3, went unselected. He was even hosted for a pre-draft visit by the Steelers.

Despite having mountains of rushing touchdowns, his senior year at Columbus didn’t exactly go as he planned. Because of a lack of expected production (96 carries for 361 yards) and a bit of bad luck, teams hesitated a bit.

However, he didn’t have to wait long once the draft ended. Within about 30 minutes of the final pick, the New Orleans Saints scooped him up as an undrafted free agent. He’ll be heading to training camp next week or so, and fight for his place in the 53-man roster rotation.

Tywone Malone Jr. (DT)

Tywone Malone’s draft stock was likely hurt by being a late bloomer; after five years in college (at Ole Miss and Ohio State), he only became a starter in his final season, and his career-best 26 tackles came with zero sacks, leading 247Sports to label him a prospect with ‘plenty to prove’. Unfortunately, he wasn’t even invited to the combine, which at least would have increased his chances of making the cut in the late rounds.

Not to mention, early in his career at Ole Miss, Malone split time between football and baseball. Perhaps it may have slowed his overall development in the sport. Regardless, the New York Giants picked him in free agency. Since they traded Dexter Lawrence, they are taking a chance on anyone over 300 pounds who can stop the run. The Bergen Catholic product will return to his hometown for a shot at the NFL.

Jayden Fielding (K)

Some say he had it coming for selling three of the most important Buckeyes games in the last two seasons. Least reliable in clutch time. However, it is incredibly tough for kickers to get drafted. Only 2 or 3 kickers get drafted in the entire country each year.

Even if you let his Miami and Indiana field goal misses slide, the main reason is that he’s a stranger when it comes to 50-yard field goals. In college, he was 0-for-3 on attempts of 50+ yards, with a career-long of only 49 yards. However, he actually hit a 57-yard field goal at his Pro Day, but teams believe 50 yards on game day over 57 yards without any pressure.

Fielding is now a priority undrafted free agent. Before the draft, the New Orleans Saints were reported to have high interest in him as a developmental option due to his kickoff success and consistency from inside 45 yards. He’ll definitely be competing with veterans in a camp this summer for a spot in the NFL.

John Ferlmann (LS)

Long snappers are the unsung heroes who rarely get drafted. John’s road was even tougher because a nagging hamstring injury kept him from performing at 100% during the Ohio State Pro Day. Because he couldn’t show off his speed on those snaps in front of scouts, he’s starting his NFL journey as a free agent.

He’s spent the last 3 years being nearly perfect on his deliveries, so a team will probably give him a look once he’s fully healed.

Joey Velazquez (LB)

Joey is a warrior who spent 6 years in college football. He was a heart-and-soul guy for the Buckeyes. Because he’s already 24 years old, NFL teams passed on him in the draft in favor of younger prospects. Not to mention, he was a walk-on and didn’t have any film or production to show for.

His impact was felt almost exclusively on special teams rather than as a rotational linebacker, which explains why he recorded zero solo tackles and only one assisted tackle despite playing in all 14 games.

Collin Johnson (LS)

Well, Collin shared the room with Ferlmann, so he had very little chance to begin with. Since long snappers are rarely drafted, Collin has been exploring his options in the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility. However, now he has to fight for a place in the NFL rookie minicamps, if called.