Star Power: Five Ohio State Players Among 16 Set for 2026 NFL Draft Spotlight in Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be a showcase of elite collegiate talent, with a notable contingent from Ohio State leading the way. According to multiple reports, five Ohio State players are confirmed to attend the first round on April 23, underscoring the program’s ongoing influence on the NFL talent pipeline.

The league announced that a total of 16 players will be present at the event, forming the core group of prospects expected to go early in the draft. Among them is Ty Simpson, a quarterback whose inclusion has drawn attention given the absence of another highly rated quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.

• Five Ohio State players will attend the draft’s first round, reflecting the school’s strength in developing NFL-ready talent.
• A total of 16 players are set for attendance, as confirmed by league sources and the Washington Commanders.
• Ty Simpson is among the group, while Fernando Mendoza is notably not attending.

Ohio State’s representation is particularly noteworthy. The program consistently produces top draft picks, and the presence of five Buckeyes at the draft is a testament to its depth and recruiting prowess. This group’s prominence is also supported by coverage in Newsday and ESPN NFL, which both highlight the school’s impressive first-round presence.

The NFL Draft remains a marquee event, with live attendance signaling high expectations for these prospects. The league’s choice of Pittsburgh as host further cements the city’s status as a football hub, providing a dramatic backdrop for what could be a historic night for Ohio State.

While the full list of attendees has not been publicly released in detail, the 16-player group is expected to feature several of the nation’s top college stars. The Commanders’ announcement aligns with league-wide reporting, confirming the group’s size and the inclusion of Ty Simpson as one of the headline quarterbacks.

For Ohio State, having five players invited to attend reflects its continued dominance in college football and the NFL draft landscape. This marks another year in which the Buckeyes are projected to have multiple first-round selections, a trend that amplifies their national profile and recruiting appeal.

The 2026 NFL Draft will be watched closely, not only for the team selections but also for the stories behind each player. The absence of Fernando Mendoza, despite speculation about his draft stock, adds intrigue to the quarterback narrative, with Ty Simpson positioned as a key figure in the event.

As the countdown to April 23 continues, fans and analysts alike will be monitoring how these prospects perform under the spotlight, and how their attendance may impact draft-day drama and team strategies.