OSU’s Kayden McDonald declares for NFL draft

Published: Jan. 9, 2026 at 2:13 PM EST

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The exodus to the NFL continues for Ohio State, who saw defensive lineman Kayden McDonald declare for the draft Friday.

McDonald was Big Ten defensive lineman of the year, first-team all-conference and a consensus All-American.

He had 65 tackles in 14 games with 9 TFL and 3 sacks.

He’s projected as a late first-round pick according to NFLdraftbuzz.com.

LB Arvell Reese, DB Caleb Downs and WR Carnell Tate have also declared for the draft.