On November 26, 2025, the annual Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry game wasn’t just about bragging rights—it was a high-stakes scouting report for NFL teams. As fans filled Ohio Stadium, scouts in the stands weren’t just watching the game—they were grading future first-round picks. At the center of it all was Arvell Reese, Ohio State’s 6-4, 243-pound linebacker, ranked #4 overall on Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board. Reese’s 58 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks over 11 games this season didn’t just impress—they confirmed what scouts already suspected: he’s not just a college standout, he’s a future NFL starter.
Who’s Top in the 2026 Draft? Kiper’s Big Board Breakdown
While Reese grabbed headlines in Columbus, the top spot on Kiper’s board belongs to Dante Moore, the poised quarterback from the University of Oregon. Moore, with his elite arm talent and command of complex offenses, is the clear favorite to go first overall. He’s followed by Fernando Mendoza of Indiana University Bloomington at #2 and Jeremiyah Love, the bruising running back from University of Notre Dame, at #3. The top three are all quarterbacks or playmakers with NFL-ready skill sets—and all three are being tracked closely by teams drafting in the top five.
But here’s the twist: Kiper’s list isn’t just about quarterbacks. The 2026 class might be one of the deepest in recent memory at skill positions. Take Carnell Tate, Ohio State’s wide receiver. Analysts call him “a professional already.” His route running is pristine, his catch radius is extraordinary, and he makes contested grabs look routine. “If he’s not number one,” Kiper said in a YouTube breakdown, “he’s got to be two or three. You’re getting an elite guy who can be that versatile piece—kind of Reggie Bush.” That’s not hyperbole. Tate’s blend of size, hands, and route precision has him in the conversation for a top-10 pick.
Ohio State’s Draft Pipeline: More Than Just Reese
Ohio State didn’t just produce one standout. The Buckeyes are a factory for NFL talent, and this year’s crop is no exception. Alongside Reese, safety Caleb Downs is drawing serious second-round buzz. He’s physical, instinctive, and covers ground like a veteran. Then there’s tight end Max Klare, ranked #3 among TEs nationally and #10 among Big Ten interior offensive linemen. Kiper called Klare “a mismatch nightmare” with the body of a tackle and the hands of a wideout.
Even defensive end Caden Curry, ranked #7 among DEs, is generating late-round interest. And don’t overlook offensive lineman Billy Schrauth, who anchors the Buckeyes’ line with surprising agility for his size. This isn’t just a good year—it’s a generational one for Ohio State’s draft pipeline.
Michigan’s Rising Stars and the Wild Cards
Michigan wasn’t left out of the spotlight. Defensive lineman Derrick Moore is a disruptive force with 11.5 tackles for loss this season, and running back Justice Haynes showed off explosive vision and breakaway speed in the rivalry game. Both are likely Day 2 picks.
But the real wild card? Jordan Conception from Texas A&M. Kiper didn’t even list him in his top 15—but he’s quietly rising. “He’s a guy that finds his way into that second-round mix,” Kiper noted. “Excellent vertical threat. Can play inside. Scouts are already saying he’ll declare.” Conception’s combination of size, speed, and versatility makes him a perfect modern wideout—and he’s only getting better.
And then there’s the receiver battle: Tate versus Mai Lemon versus Jordan Tyson. Kiper says all three are top-15 material. “I do not have 15 players graded higher than those three in total,” he said. That’s a statement. It means the 2026 draft could see three elite receivers taken in the first 15 picks—a rarity.
Why This Game Mattered More Than Ever
The November 26 matchup wasn’t just a rivalry—it was a live audition. For Reese, it was his chance to prove he could hold up against elite offensive lines. For Tate, it was about silencing doubters who questioned his consistency. For Moore and Haynes, it was about showing they belong on the same stage as Ohio State’s stars.
And it worked. Reese’s sideline hustle and coverage snaps against Michigan’s tight ends were textbook. Tate caught six passes for 98 yards, including a 32-yard grab where he outleapt two defenders. The scouts didn’t just take notes—they updated their grades.
What’s Next for These Prospects?
The regular season ends in early December, but the evaluation process has only just begun. NFL teams will start sending private workouts to prospects like Reese and Tate in January. The Senior Bowl in late January will be a major showcase, especially for players like Conception and Klare who aren’t household names yet. Then comes the combine in February, where 40-yard dash times and position drills will make or break draft stocks.
By April, when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, we could see a record number of Big Ten players taken in the first round. Ohio State alone might have four or five players selected on Day 1. That’s not just talent—it’s a system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Arvell Reese ranked so high despite not being a household name like some other linebackers?
Reese’s combination of size, speed (4.52-second 40), and production—58 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks in just 11 games—makes him a rare blend of power and range. Unlike many linebackers who rely on athleticism alone, Reese reads plays early, sheds blocks efficiently, and covers ground in the passing game. Scouts see him as a three-down linebacker who can play in any scheme, which is why he’s ranked ahead of more hyped names.
How does Carnell Tate compare to past Ohio State wide receivers drafted in the first round?
Tate’s route precision and catch radius are reminiscent of Michael Thomas and Justin Jefferson, but with more physicality. Unlike past Buckeye receivers who relied on speed, Tate wins with technique and body control. He’s already been compared to Calvin Johnson in terms of contested-catch ability. If he stays healthy, he could be the first wideout taken in 2026—potentially top-five.
Is Dante Moore really a better prospect than the top QBs from the 2025 draft?
Yes, according to Kiper and other analysts. Moore has better pocket presence than C.J. Stroud and more arm talent than Jayden Daniels. He’s not as mobile as some, but his decision-making under pressure and ability to deliver accurate throws on the run are NFL-ready. Teams see him as a franchise quarterback, not just a college star.
Why are so many Ohio State tight ends and offensive linemen getting attention this year?
Ohio State’s offensive system under head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasizes tight end usage and physical blocking, which has elevated players like Max Klare and Billy Schrauth. Klare’s versatility as a blocker and receiver makes him a rare two-way threat. Schrauth’s technique and footwork are elite for his size. Both fit modern NFL schemes that demand linemen who can move and TEs who can stretch the field.
Will Jordan Conception declare for the 2026 draft, or could he return for another season?
Scouts believe Conception will declare. His stock is rising fast, and with his combination of size, speed, and versatility, he’s projected as a late first- or early second-round pick. Returning for another season risks injury and doesn’t significantly improve his draft profile. Most analysts expect him to enter the draft after the bowl game.
How many Big Ten players are projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Based on current projections, at least six Big Ten players are likely first-round picks: Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza, Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate, Jeremiyah Love, and possibly Caleb Downs or Max Klare. That’s more than any conference since 2021. Ohio State alone could have three first-rounders, a sign of their program’s elite production.
