These Ohio State Defensive Stars Could Become First-Round Picks in 2027

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been notorious for producing some of the NFL’s most premier offensive talents over the years, but they do so on defense as well.

Considering the success their defense group had during their 2025 campaign that saw them reach the Cotton Bowl, a group of defensive starters are set to join the NFL in this month’s NFL Draft.

With a few key players leaving for the draft, that means a few of Ohio State’s returning defensive players will be expected to fill their shoes in 2026—which could translate to their own future heading into next year’s NFL Draft.

The expectation is that while it will be difficult to replicate their exact level of past defensive success in 2026, these three players should be able to build their cases to break out this fall.

Here’s a list of Ohio State defenders that could become first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Kenyatta Jackson Jr., EDGE

Jackson made his decision to return to Ohio State on January 15, which will be his fifth season with the Buckeyes as he looks to finish his college career and build his draft stock for next year’s draft.

He’ll be returning after finishing the 2025 season on a high note, totaling 6.5 sacks, 16 solo tackles, and 11 tackles for loss. His elite pass-rush upside slots him in for another potential big year under longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

With Jackson becoming a full-time starter, he’ll be expected to target a double-digit sack total, while using his 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame to wreak havoc against opposing tackles and boost his pass-rush grade.

His size and weight would translate well to the NFL even now, but an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine would allow him to display his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and test his pass-rush ability at an NFL level.

Payton Pierce, LB

Pierce has the chance to significantly boost his statistics with a more regular role on Ohio State’s defense. With 24 solo tackles and one interception in 2025, he’ll be leaned on to take on more work as an every-down linebacker in 2026.

He’ll be entering his third season with the Buckeyes, and while he’s still a young and improving player, the best way to boost his stock is by focusing on executing tackles and refining his coverage and run defense.

As a linebacker with limited starting experience, the biggest aspect of Pierce’s game he could improve is his coverage grade. By blanketing tight ends and slot receivers, his 6-foot-2, 223-pound frame should allow him to succeed in that area, which would significantly boost his draft stock.

Jermaine Mathews Jr., CB

Mathews is entering his fourth year on the Buckeyes’ defense and carved out a much more regular role this past season. He’ll now be expected to take on a larger role—possibly even as their top corner—while seeing time in the slot to showcase his versatility.

If he can improve on his 2025 stats—20 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and two interceptions—Mathews can expect his draft stock to rise, even with his relatively small frame at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds.

His lockdown coverage and tackling skills already make him an intriguing prospect. When it comes to tackling grades, NFL teams heavily consider that—especially when defending larger-bodied and speedy receivers.

For cornerbacks, speed and quick feet mean everything. If Mathews declares for next year’s draft, he’ll head to the NFL Scouting Combine, where top corners typically clock the 40-yard dash in the 4.35 to 4.43 range—testing anywhere in that window could see him selected higher than some may expect.