Ohio State is losing one of its top defenders, with defensive tackle Kayden McDonald declaring for the NFL draft on Friday.
McDonald was with the Buckeyes for three seasons, but broke out as a junior and has turned himself into a possible first-round pick. He was a unanimous All-American this season, one of three Buckeyes to earn the distinction. McDonald was also a finalist for the Otland Trophy, which goes to the best interior lineman in the country.
As a sophomore, McDonald earned a good amount of playing time behind Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams, but when he got his chance to start, he took full advantage.
He finished the season with 65 tackles, which was fifth on the team. Thirty-one of his stops were solo, and he also had nine tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass broken up, two quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
McDonald was a big part of the No. 1 scoring defense the Buckeyes boasted throughout the season, giving up just 9.3 points per game. Ohio State was also the seventh-best rushing defense in the country, with McDonald serving as a strong run-stopper up the middle. They allowed just 89.4 yards per game on the ground.
The Buckeyes will have to replace McDonald’s production next season, with Will Smith Jr. as one of the obvious candidates to do so as earned some playing time at nose guard this season. But UCF transfer John Walker could also get that chance.
McDonald joins Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese as the only Buckeyes to declare for the NFL draft to this point. Multiple other Buckeyes are yet to announce their decisions, including Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Max Klare.
