CJ Donaldson wasn’t selected in the 2026 NFL draft, but he'll still get his opportunity to make an NFL roster this fall.
After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft, the former Ohio State running back is joining the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, according to posts he shared on his Instagram account.
Ohio State's 2026 NFL Draft Picks
- Carnell Tate: Round 1, No. 4, Tennessee Titans
- Arvell Reese: Round 1, No. 5, New York Giants
- Sonny Styles: Round 1, No. 7, Washington Commanders
- Caleb Downs: Round 1, No. 11, Dallas Cowboys
- Kayden McDonald: Round 2, No. 36, Houston Texans
- Max Klare: Round 2, No. 61, Los Angeles Rams
- Davison Igbinosun: Round 2, No. 62, Buffalo Bills
- Will Kacmarek: Round 3, No. 87, Miami Dolphins
- Lorenzo Styles Jr.: Round 5, No. 172, New Orleans Saints
- Caden Curry: Round 6, No. 214, Indianapolis Colts
- Ethan Onianwa: Round 7, No. 231, Atlanta Falcons
Recruited as a tight end to West Virginia out of high school in 2022, Donaldson moved to running back in his freshman year with the Mountaineers. He emerged as their starter in his sophomore year, and over the next two seasons, he recorded a combined 1,532 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry those two seasons.
Donaldson transferred to Ohio State ahead of his senior year in 2025 and filled a role as the Buckeyes' short-yardage back with some other rotational opportunities. He finished the season with 96 carries for 361 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns, adding 15 receptions for 96 yards. He’ll now look to parlay his ability as a short-yardage back and in pass protection into a roster spot in New Orleans, where he joins a running back depth chart led by Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara.
Ohio State saw 11 players selected in the 2026 NFL draft, including four first-round selections and seven combined in the first two rounds: Carnell Tate (No. 4 overall, Titans), Arvell Reese (No. 5 overall, Giants), Sonny Styles (No. 7 overall, Commanders), Caleb Downs (No. 11 overall, Cowboys), Kayden McDonald (No. 36 overall, Texans), Max Klare (No. 61 overall, Rams), Davison Igbinosun (No. 62 overall, Bills), Will Kacmarek (No. 87 overall, Dolphins), Lorenzo Styles Jr. (No. 172 overall, Saints), Caden Curry (No. 214 overall, Colts) and Ethan Onianwa (No. 231 overall, Falcons).
Donaldson becomes the fifth Buckeye on the Saints’ current roster, joining fellow rookie Lorenzo Styles Jr. as well as Chris Olave, Pete Werner and Chase Young.
