Ohio State has long been a storied college football program. The Buckeyes compete for the national championships year in and year out and have won eight of them, with the most recent coming in 2014.
They also have 41 conference titles, adding to their list of accomplishments as a standout football program.
And the state loves the Buckeyes, which no doubt will translate into a lot of action for sports betting in Ohio in the fall.
To claim such great team success, a football program needs great players. The Buckeyes have had a plethora of standout players, including seven Heisman Trophy recipients, counting twice the only two-time winner, Archie Griffin.
With so many great players, it’s no surprise that the Buckeyes have a strong contingent of players in the NFL.
After Buckeyes QB CJ Stroud went to the Texans with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, it seems a good time to assess Ohio State players in the pros.
BetOhio.com – your source for Ohio sportsbook promo codes – did some analysis on the Ohio State players currently making the most impact in the NFL.
Utilizing Pro Football Reference’s Weighted Career Approximate Value statistic, BetOhio.com determined the 10 most impactful Buckeyes in the NFL.
Ohio State Players Impacting the NFL
Here are the results:
Looking at Buckeyes Stalwarts
Leading the way is Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, with a very strong weighted career approximate value of 96, 32 higher than second place.
Free Agent running back Ezekiel Elliott ranks second on the list and leads a logjam of players with a value between 65 and 40. Elliott is currently waiting to sign with a new team in free agency but has spent his career until now with the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted fourth overall in 2016. Elliott rushed for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns during his tenure with the Cowboys.
Chargers center Corey Linsley ranks third, slightly ahead of New Orleans wide receiver Michael Thomas. Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa completes the top five, with his brother, Nick, ranked No. 8.
There are some young players in the league almost certain to make their way onto this list in the near future with reigning NFL offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson (Jets) and QB Justin Fields (Bears) strong candidates.
Stroud is sure to have some impactful NFL seasons and Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the current Buckeyes who will be a high pick next season.
Another Big Year Expected in Columbus
Speaking of Harrison, he is one of many reasons Ohio State is among the favorites competing for a national title again on Ohio sports betting apps.
BetMGM Ohio has Ohio State listed at +600 to win it all, behind only Georgia (+225) and Alabama (+500).
One thing is for sure. There will be no shortage of Buckeyes continuing to star in the NFL for many years to come.
