In the realm of college football, few programs boast a lineage as rich and impactful as Ohio State University. The Buckeyes have consistently produced NFL-caliber talent, and the 2025 season is no exception. For Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, showcasing the Week 1 performances of former Buckeyes in the NFL serves as a compelling testament to the program’s prowess and the potential awaiting recruits.
As of the start of the 2025 NFL season, 58 former Ohio State players were on active rosters, underscoring the program’s reputation as a premier pipeline to the professional league (247Sports). This statistic alone is a powerful recruiting tool, illustrating the tangible success of Buckeye alumni in the NFL.
A standout example is C.J. Stroud, who, after being selected second overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, made an impressive debut in Week 1 of the 2023 season. Stroud threw for 242 yards in a 25–9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, showcasing his readiness for the professional stage (Wikipedia). Such performances highlight the caliber of quarterbacks developed under Ohio State’s tutelage.
Defensively, Chase Young exemplifies the impact of Ohio State’s defensive training. After being drafted second overall by the Washington Football Team in 2020 and earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Young continued to excel. He recorded a sack in Super Bowl LVIII with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the New Orleans Saints, further cementing his status as a dominant force on the defensive line (Wikipedia).
These individual successes are part of a broader narrative of Ohio State’s influence in the NFL. For recruits, the prospect of following in the footsteps of players like Stroud and Young offers a clear pathway to professional success. Hartline, with his extensive experience and understanding of the game’s nuances, is uniquely positioned to mentor and develop the next generation of talent, ensuring that Ohio State’s legacy in the NFL continues to thrive.
In summary, the Week 1 performances of former Ohio State players in the NFL not only highlight their individual achievements but also serve as a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence. For prospective recruits, these examples provide a compelling reason to consider Ohio State as the launching pad for their professional football aspirations.
