For the second straight year, Ohio State lost double-digit players to the NFL Draft, forcing it to reload again.Most of that talent is lost from the defense, including top-15 picks Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs. Still, even if there may be uncertainty along the defensive line, the defense has young talent ready to step up alongside a deep offense under new coordinator Arthur Smith.Will that be enough to get back to the national championship game after losing in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal last season? Let’s see how another talented Ohio State roster stacks up, position by position.1. SafetiesNotable departures: Caleb Downs
Key returnees: Jaylen McClain, Leroy Roker
New arrivals: Duke transfer Terry Moore, Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr., four-star recruit Blaine Bradford, four-star Simeon Caldwell, four-star Khmari BingOrdering the top three positions on this list is difficult, but safety has the most depth. I am especially high on McClain coming into the season. He is one of my projected captains and arguably the best returning defensive player.The additions of Moore and Little boosted this unit from near the bottom of the rankings in January to the top despite the loss of an All-American in Downs. They are both experienced, each having played at least three seasons, and they’re versatile players who have found ways to make plays on the ball. Little had 76 tackles and four interceptions for Florida State in 2025, and Moore had 71 tackles and four interceptions in 2024 before a torn ACL sidelined him last year.Add in Roker as the fourth safety — Ohio State is very high on his potential — and there is a strong foundation for the Buckeyes’ three-safety base defense.Ohio State's brutal scheduleBruce Feldman and Ralph D. Russo2. Wide receiversNotable departures: Carnell Tate
