OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

Ohio State won the 2024 national championship, finishing 14-2 and defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in January 2025. The Buckeyes had 14 players drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, including stars like quarterback Will Howard, running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. In the 2026 NFL Draft, 11 more Buckeyes were selected, the most of any school, headlined by wide receiver Carnell Tate going fourth overall and safety Caleb Downs. The massive draft exodus of championship talent created collector opportunities around transfer additions and emerging stars, while cards of Howard, Judkins, and Egbuka saw post-title spikes before their NFL departures.

Where they stand: The 2025 season ended 12-2 with Ohio State going undefeated in Big Ten play at 9-0, but the Buckeyes lost to Indiana 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship Game in December 2025. Ohio State then fell 24-14 to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, ending their title defense. The team returns 11 overall starters this fall, including eight on offense behind quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith, and opens the 2026 season September 5 against Ball State before a marquee road game at Texas on September 12.