Kayden McDonald is off to the next level.
Ohio State’s star defensive tackle declared for the NFL draft on Friday following a breakout junior season.
After waiting in the wings behind Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams for two seasons, McDonald emerged as one of the nation’s best interior defenders in 2025. He collected 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks from the nose guard position in the Buckeye defense.
McDonald earned unanimous first-team All-American honors and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given annually to the best offensive lineman, defensive tackle or linebacker in college football. He collected three performances of seven tackles or more, including a two-sack day with three tackles for loss at Washington.
One of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL draft class, McDonald has a good chance to be selected in the first round. He’d be the second first-round draft pick at defensive tackle in as many years for Ohio State, joining Williams, who went 28th overall to the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL draft.
UCF transfer John Walker and redshirt sophomore Will Smith Jr. are candidates to replace McDonald as Ohio State’s starting nose guard in 2026, with Eddrick Houston likely slated to start at three-technique defensive tackle. Another addition through the transfer portal is also possible, as the Buckeyes hosted Alabama transfer James Smith for a visit on Thursday and are set to host Pittsburgh transfer Francis Brewu for a visit this weekend.
McDonald is the fourth Buckeye with remaining eligibility to declare for the 2026 NFL draft, joining Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate and Arvell Reese. All four of them are projected as potential first-round picks in this year’s draft, which is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
