Ohio State's First-Round Receivers Since 2022

Ohio State has established itself as a premier source for NFL scouts seeking top-tier wide receiver talent. Over the last four NFL drafts, beginning in 2022, five wide receivers from Ohio State have been selected in the first round. This marks the highest count from a single school in four years since Alabama had five players drafted between 2020 and 2023, according to ESPN Research.

The upcoming 2026 draft is anticipated to feature Carnell Tate, who is projected to be a top-10 pick and is considered a leading prospect at his position. In 2027, Jeremiah Smith is expected to follow as a likely top-five pick, potentially becoming the first wide receiver chosen first overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.

Ohio State's tradition of producing quality wide receivers extends beyond the recent first-round selections, including notable players like Michael Thomas (2016) and Terry McLaurin (2019). The university has also produced Hall of Famers such as Cris Carter and Santonio Holmes, as well as Ted Ginn Jr. This recent trend of elite OSU receivers transitioning to successful professional careers has prompted a review of predraft evaluations for each player, ranking them based on their prospect evaluations from Columbus.

This ranking focuses solely on predraft assessments rather than NFL performance or potential. Insights were also gathered from NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. The rankings reflect my evaluations from the respective draft classes, offering a glimpse into Ohio State's impressive wide receiver pipeline.

As Tate prepares to showcase his skills at the Buckeyes' pro day, the question arises: where does he stand among the recent first-round picks? The following is a ranking of the five notable wide receivers from Ohio State.

First on the list is Marvin Harrison Jr., who was ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect and the top wide receiver in his class. He was drafted fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals. Harrison was widely regarded as a generational talent after his three-year career at Ohio State, during which he made 155 receptions, gained 2,613 receiving yards, and scored 31 touchdowns. He received the Biletnikoff Award in 2023 and was the first non-quarterback selected in the 2024 draft.

Harrison's skills, including elite route running and strong hands, drew praise, although there were concerns about his ability to gain yards after the catch. Despite a promising start, his two seasons in the NFL have not yet met expectations, with 103 receptions for 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns, hampered by a heel injury that caused him to miss five games in 2025.

Next is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was ranked No. 5 overall and the top wide receiver prior to the 2023 draft, eventually selected 20th by the Seattle Seahawks. Smith-Njigba emerged as a standout, leading the NFL in receiving yards last season with 1,793 yards, 119 catches, and 10 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year title.

Despite being labeled as a 'slot-only' prospect due to his size and speed, his route-running ability and agility impressed scouts. Smith-Njigba's breakout performance in the 2021 Rose Bowl, where he recorded 15 receptions for 347 yards, helped solidify his status as a formidable receiver.

Garrett Wilson, drafted 10th overall by the New York Jets, was ranked as the 12th overall prospect and third among wide receivers. Wilson's performance at the combine, highlighted by a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, solidified his position as a top-15 pick. He finished his college career with 23 touchdowns and has maintained strong performance in the NFL, recording three successive 1,000-yard seasons with the Jets.

Carnell Tate, currently ranked ninth overall and second among wide receivers, has shown promise despite not being the primary target at Ohio State. His impressive route running and ability to catch passes in challenging situations have drawn comparisons to Justin Jefferson.

Tate's stats reflect his potential, with only one drop on 67 targets last season, finishing with 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games. He is anticipated to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft, potentially landing as high as fifth overall.

Chris Olave, who was drafted 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints, is another notable mention. Initially ranked lower in predraft evaluations, Olave impressed at the combine with his speed and route-running skills. Despite concerns about his toughness against NFL corners, he has made significant contributions in New Orleans, achieving 291 receptions and 19 touchdowns in his first four seasons.