Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek may be a Michigan alum, but even he can acknowledge Ohio State’s talent.
Appearing on the Up and Adams Show, the 45-year-old outlined his team’s approach to the 2026 NFL draft with host Kay Adams. When asked why the Raiders didn’t select any Wolverines, Spytek said it simply didn’t fall that way this year. Then he offered a notable comment about Michigan's rival, Ohio State.
“The draft doesn’t always go the way you want it to, and I’ve got to get rid of my biases,” Spytek said. “I tell people all the time, I’ll take a bunch of Ohio State guys ’cause they can play football.”
He added that drafting Michigan players is maybe “one one-millionth of a factor that we put it in. You get a little bump if you’re a Michigan Man, but not too much. We’re not running you up the draft board.”
Spytek has served as the Raiders’ general manager since 2025, arriving in Las Vegas after two decades in the NFL. His résumé includes stops as an intern, scout, director, vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager.
Through his first two drafts with Las Vegas, Spytek has yet to select a player from either Ohio State or Michigan. Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg is the lone Buckeye on the Raiders, while defensive tackle Kwity Paye is the lone Wolverine.
Ohio State had 11 players selected in the 2026 draft, while Michigan had six. The Buckeyes’ picks ranged from No. 4 overall (Carnell Tate to the Tennessee Titans) to No. 231 (Ethan Onianwa to the Atlanta Falcons). Michigan’s selections spanned from No. 44 (Derrick Moore to the Detroit Lions) to No. 250 (Rayshaun Benny to the Baltimore Ravens).
