Ohio State 27, Michigan 9
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Ohio State has a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball for the 2026 NFL Draft, but they were only able to show what they are capable of in little spurts in this rivalry game. The Buckeyes’ offense dominated the time of possession, so the defensive prospects did not get a lot of opportunities to stand out.
Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese could be a rare linebacker to go high in the draft, and he flashed on a few plays. In the second quarter, Reese fired into the backfield on an attempted perimeter run, and he took down the ball carrier for a loss of a few yards. On the next play, Reese dropped into zone coverage, and then he fired to the backfield to take down the back for no gain on a third-down attempt. Reese was rock solid against Michigan.
Next to Reese, teammate Sonny Styles also played well. He had some good tackles in run support, showing his speed to fire into the backfield to make tackles for a loss. Styles is big, fast, and athletic. He could be a nice outside linebacker value on the second day of the draft.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs looks like a future first-rounder, and he played well against Michigan. In the third quarter, Downs had a good pass breakup, picking up a crossing receiver in zone coverage and coming close to an interception. In the fourth quarter, Downs had a good play, lining up as a sub linebacker and then coming downhill in zone coverage to make an open-field tackle that forced a punt. This tape will help Downs to be a first-rounder next April.
On the defensive line, end Kenyatta Jackson had a sack, pushing through the left tackle and tripping up the quarterback. Jackson had multiple pressures as well as the sack. Nose tackle Kayden McDonald was a big, strong interior presence plugging up rushing lanes. This was quality tape for both of them.
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Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate was not prolific, but he had a huge play to help put the game out of reach for the Wolverines. After losing out on a 50-50 pass, Tate came back to make a back-breaking play. In the third quarter, Tate got open running a deep post. Tate ran a good route, getting the safety to bite on a step towards the corner, and then Tate broke wide open with a slant to the middle. The pass was dropped in for a 50-yard touchdown. Tate caught four other shorter passes and finished with five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Tate looks like a first-round pick next April, and this tape will help his cause.
