Ryan Day and Ohio State just wrapped up one of the best draft classes in school history. Fourteen Buckeyes were picked in the 2025 NFL Draft, tying the school record set in 2004. They came close to breaking Georgia’s record of 15 but still matched their own all-time high. On top of that, three more players signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
That brings the total number of Buckeyes making the leap to the pros to 17. For Day, this draft class means more than just numbers. He recruited and coached these players from the beginning to the end. Watching them grow and now move on to the NFL made this moment deeply personal and rewarding.
Ryan Day Reflects on 17 Buckeyes’ NFL Journeys and Their Destinations
Ryan Day had every reason to smile during a recent ESPN College Football interview. He was asked how it felt to watch a record-breaking number of Ohio State players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. His response said it all—he was genuinely excited and proud.
“Exciting. Yeah, um, to watch guys who, that this class really was, was the first class that we saw all the way from recruiting all the way to the end,” Day shared. “Now they’re going into the NFL prepared, and that’s something we talk about a lot here. It’s a lot easier to get to the NFL. It’s harder to stay in the NFL.”
Ohio State’s draft success was clear from the start. Four players were picked in the first round. Three more followed on Friday. By Saturday, a total of 14 Buckeyes had been drafted, matching the school’s all-time record. Then, three more players signed as undrafted free agents.
He stressed how important it was for the players to be in the right fit.
“We were excited about the fit for our guys, and we’re excited about all 14 guys who got drafted and then the three guys who went undrafted who signed as well afterwards,” he said.
The Buckeyes’ head coach didn’t need to be in the draft room to feel the weekend’s energy. Watching from home, he connected closely with his players through a lively group chat. Everyone—from the draftees to strength coach Mickey Marotti—was part of the conversation.
Throughout the weekend, they shared excitement, encouraged one another, celebrated each pick, and even traded some playful banter. It was, as Day described it, “a great group text,” capturing the bond that carried this class from recruitment to the NFL stage.
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Ohio State leads all schools in total draft picks, and the 46-year-old coach sees this as a testament to the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent.
As his former players embark on their professional journeys, he remains confident that they are well-prepared to make an impact at the next level.
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