The Ohio State football program had one of the best defenses in the country all season long. Statistically, they had the best defense in the country. Yet, they were bounced in the Cotton Bowl by Miami, despite having potentially four or five first-round picks on that defense.
A couple of those first-round picks have already declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Caleb Downs, the consensus best defensive player in the country, has declared. Arvell Reese also decided to leave for the NFL after having a breakout season in his only year as a starter for the Buckeyes.