Ohio State football’s top 2025 NFL Draft prospect isn’t playing right now: Buckeye Breakfast

Posted by author November 15, 2024 NFL

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s been clear for a month that Ohio State football has missed its left tackle. ESPN’s latest big board for the 2025 NFL Draft provided a reminder of that.

Left tackle Josh Simmons is rated as the No. 25 overall prospect in the upcoming draft class, according to Mel Kiper Jr.

He is the highest-rated Ohio State player on the board.

“He’s just very consistent, showing excellent footwork and balance in pass protection,” Kiper wrote. “I really like the way he drives defensive ends off the ball and gets to the second level.”

Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury in Ohio State’s loss at Oregon on Oct. 12.

Simmons’ spot on the big board doesn’t necessarily project where he’ll get selected. Positional needs could determine that.

For example, Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter is the top player on the big board.

However, if the team picking first is in need of a quarterback, the top player at the position is projected to be Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.

Where Ohio State prospects rank at their position

Kiper also rated the top 10 players at each position.

Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are both top five running backs. Emeka Egbuka is the No. 4 wide receiver.

Donovan Jackson is the second-best guard while Seth McLaughlin is the eighth-best center.

J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are the No. 2 and No. 7 defensive ends, respectively. Tyleik Williams is the No. 8 defensive tackle.

Cody Simon checked in at No. 9 among off-ball linebackers while Lathan Ransom is ranked eighth among safeties.

OSU cornerback Denzel Burke did not crack the top 10 at his position.

Key dates

Ohio State at Northwestern: 1 day, Nov. 16
The Game 2024: 15 days, Nov. 30
Early Signing Period: 19 days, Dec. 4-6
Big Ten Championship Game: 22 days, Dec. 7
National Championship Game: 66 days, Jan. 20, 2025