Ohio State vs. Indiana: Top NFL draft prospects to watch in Big Ten Championship Game
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It's officially Championship Saturday in college football, as four key games will help decide the playoff field, the Heisman Trophy race, and provide an early insight into the NFL draft plans for 2026 prospects. For the Buckeyes, linebacker Arvell Reese, safety Caleb Downs, and wide receiver Carnell Tate are all viewed as top ten-caliber prospects. If you are scouting for 2027, Jeremiah Smith could be the No. 1 overall pick, and he'll certainly add to the long list of recent Ohio State receivers who have become high picks and productive NFL players. On defense, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and corner Davison Igbinosun are drawing first-round projections. Cornerback Jermaine Matthews Jr and tight end Max Klare are also players to watch.
Indiana Hoosiers
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback
Height: 6-5 / Weight: 225
2025 stats through first 11 games: 73.0% completion rate, 2,641 passing yards, 30 TD passes, 5 INTs, five rushing TDs
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and he's the likely No. 1 pick after leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season. Mendoza doesn't have a huge arm, but he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is elite. According to The Athletic, Ohio State’s defense is allowing an FBS-best 3.8 yards per play and 121.3 passing yards per game.
Roman Hemby, Running Back
Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver
Elijah Sarratt, Wide Receiver
Carter Smith, Offensive Tackle
A talented offensive tackle who can play offensive guard, Smith has yet to allow a sack in 2025.
Mikail Kamara, Edge Rusher
Aiden Fisher, Linebacker
Isaiah Jones, Linebacker
Amare Ferrell, Cornerback
D'Angelo Ponds, Cornerback
Ohio State Buckeyes
CJ Donaldson, Running Back
Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195
Current 2025 stats: 39 catches, 711 receiving yards, seven receiving TDs
"Ohio State is Wide Receiver U, and Emeka Egbuka is the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. With Jeremiah Smith slated for 2027, Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate has averaged 18.2 yards per catch this season." He is a precise route runner with great hands and outstanding body control. 50-yard touchdown catch against Michigan was his ninth reception of 40-plus yards in 2025.
Caleb Downs, DB
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
Current 2025 stats: 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2 INTs, six run stops
Downs — the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs — is the player Howie Roseman should trade the house for. Downs is a freak athlete who could be a more complete version of Kyle Hamilton.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr., edge
Max Klare, Tight End
Klare signed with Ohio State after leading Purdue with 51 receptions in 2024. He ranks third on the Buckeyes in receptions this season behind only star wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate and could play a critical role against Michigan.
Austin Siereveld, Offensive Tackle
Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle
Caden Curry, Edge Rusher
Curry’s value lies in his versatility. Built like Dre'Mont Jones, Curry can be productive off the edge, on the nose, or on special teams. Curry leads the Big Ten with 13.5 stops behind the line, including a team-high nine QB takedowns.
Sonny Styles, Linebacker
An athletic marvel in the new style of linebacker, Styles is 6 feet 4 1/2 tall and 240 pounds with 4.5 speed.
Arvel Reese, Linebacker
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243
Current 2025 stats: 58 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 7 run stops, 2 pass breakups
A premier linebacker, Reese is a stud linebacker who can drop down and become a stud pass rusher.
Davison Igbinosun, Cornerback
Another player for Roseman to watch, Igbinosun's allowed catch rate is one of the nation’s best. According to PFF, he’s forced 11 incompletions on the season and has allowed only 15 receptions, including zero touchdowns.
A former freshman All-American at Ole Miss who has since earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades each of the past two years at Ohio State.
Jermaine Mathews Jr., Cornerback
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ohio State vs. Indiana: Top 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch
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