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When the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night in Pittsburgh, Ohio State is expected to dominate the spotlight. The Buckeyes could have multiple players selected in the top 10, putting the program at the center of one of the biggest stories in the first round.
If anyone understands the level of talent coming out of Columbus, it’s former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer. He joined “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd Wednesday afternoon to preview the upcoming draft and highlight three Ohio State stars who could hear their names called early.
That group includes linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles along with wide receiver Carnell Tate, all of whom are projected to be top-10 selections. Meyer believes each prospect has the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level, but he was especially vocal about Reese’s upside.
“The guy’s only 20 years old,” Meyer said. “The guy is an absolute freak. A lot of it obviously depends on the organization and what they’re going to run, but Arvell Reese can play safety, I’ve heard. When you watch him run around, he’s quick and athletic.”
Meyer also pointed to Reese’s versatility and untapped potential as reasons why he could become one of the biggest steals of the draft.
“He’s a big blitzer, especially standing up,” Meyers said. “So if you develop him, he’s 20 years old, and at some point I would imagine they’re going to teach and put his hand in the ground and be one of the best pass rushers out there. I don’t know how you don’t take Arvell Reese as soon as you get him on an NFL roster.”
Even with Reese’s immense potential at the next level, it’s Styles who Meyer believes could be a true game changer. He focused on that going beyond Styles’ athleticism and talent, pointing instead to the winning mentality and leadership qualities he brings to an NFL locker room.
“I felt strongly about Sonny Styles and his performance at the combine and his training has been historic,” Meyers said. “I’m biased because I know this kid. I know what he is. I know what a locker room player is and he’s a winner in everything he does. I look up to Sonny Styles a lot.”
Outside of the defensive talent, Tate brings great upside at a position expected to come off the board early in the draft. The Buckeyes have also built one of the strongest reputations in college football for developing NFL-ready wide receivers.
Despite some concerns about Tate’s play, Meyer still believes he is the best receiver in this year’s draft class.
“He was a one-year wonder,” Meyer said. “You kind of heard about him and everybody wanted to see him develop. He was a guy that you weren’t really sure was a first-rounder, but that’s what happens with young players. He’s arguably the best receiver in the draft.”
